- Strength-focused
- Bilingual care
- Skill-based tools
About Maria
Maria Gimenez-Cruz is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, and life changes. She speaks English and Spanish and works with a wide range of concerns like depression, sleep problems, parenting strain, and coping with natural or human-caused disaster. Her approach is warm and practical, focused on everyday skills that make daily life easier.
She draws on nine years of experience to create simple, usable plans for each person. Sessions focus on identifying strengths, practicing new skills, and solving problems together. Maria uses clear feedback and steady support so people can try small changes that add up.
Her style blends client-centered listening with cognitive and mindfulness tools. That means conversations start with what matters most to the person, and then move to tactics that change thinking and reduce distress. She also uses narrative and motivational techniques to help people reframe painful experiences and find motivation to act.
People who struggle with trauma, attachment wounds, guilt, or overwhelming stress can expect a calm, respectful space to talk through those issues. Maria pays attention to emotions and body signals when symptoms show as physical complaints, like somatization or sleep disruption. She helps people sort through complicated feelings such as abandonment, immigration stress, or relationship strain.
Her goal is to help people notice progress and build confidence in handling life’s setbacks. She invites clients to set practical goals and practices that fit their daily routines. If someone is ready to take a first step, she offers collaborative support to move forward.
How therapy approaches shape online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and building a respectful relationship. Maria focuses on understanding what matters to the person and shaping conversations around their goals and values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts and behaviors interact; it offers tools to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and manage depressive thinking. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce stress and ease overwhelm.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Maria will collaborate with each person to choose techniques that fit their needs, goals, and daily life. She tailors plans so people can try different tools and see what helps most, adjusting as progress is made.
Session formats should be confirmed before booking, as current options are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy around busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins during a workday, or remove travel time so people spend less time commuting. These practical benefits can help people try therapy without major disruptions to family or work routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
9+ years
Credentials
Florida
Languages
English, Spanish
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep problems, ADHD, relationship and family concerns, parenting strain, anger, and coping with life changes including coping with natural or human-caused disaster.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is collaborative and practical. She listens first, then helps people practice skills from cognitive, mindfulness, and narrative approaches to handle everyday challenges.
What is her background and experience?
She has nine years of clinical experience working with a broad range of concerns and focuses on helping people build inner strength and practical coping skills.
What credentials does she hold and where is she based?
She is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, licensed in Florida and provides services from that location.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Can I do sessions from outside the country?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.