Maria Estelle
Therapist Trainee - Ph.D Candidate
Maria specializes in treating:
- Autism & ADHD
- Chronic/Progressive Illness
- People with a history Trauma
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Intersectional Identity Development
Ages:
- 14 - adult
Pronouns:
- She/Her
Languages Spoken:
- English
Maria (she/her) is excited to join the New Perspective team as a Therapist Extern. Currently a 2nd year student at Montclair State University, Maria brings a deep sense of warmth, curiosity, and dedication to every therapeutic relationship. Maria believes that therapy can be both a mirror and a toolbox; a mirror that helps clients see themselves from new angles—including the contexts and histories that shape their reflection—and a toolbox where clients can experiment with implementing different strategies tailored to their unique lives.
Maria is passionate about making therapy more inclusive and responsive to clients of non-majority backgrounds. As such, she actively seeks to incorporate clients’ interests—like music, spirituality, or art—into sessions as meaningful bridges for mindfulness, connection and expression. Her approach is rooted in the belief that a therapist should create an environment that reflects clients values, past experiences, and aspirations for the future.
“Maria is passionate about making therapy more inclusive and responsive to clients of non-majority backgrounds. ”
Maria has found her previous work with clients living with cancer and neurodegenerative disorders to be particularly meaningful. She hopes to continue to support people coping with emotions related to medical conditions as well as neurodiverse people and clients exploring intersectional identities. Maria’s work is grounded in cultural humility and a belief in each client’s inherent wisdom and capacity for growth.