Maria Villanueva, M.A., (IMH21697)

Maria Villanueva is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (IMH21697). Helping women and adolescents attain a more balanced and healthy life is my passion.  I have experience in the treatment of depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief, and relationship issues.  Life will often surprise us with unexpected turns of events, and it is my desire to come alongside you with empathy and respect to navigate these together and help you attain new ways of thinking, acting, and feeling that will serve you now and in your future.  You will receive encouragement and you will be challenged as we discover and learn to overcome emotional obstacles that stop you from enjoying gratifying, deep, and healthy relationships.

 Mindfulness techniques are also taught for growth in self-awareness, which is so necessary to achieve a healthy and balanced mind. As a Christian, it would be my pleasure to offer Christian Counseling if you so desire.  

After working as a teacher for nearly twenty years, I started noticing the care and compassion I felt when colleagues would approach me with their life difficulties.  I often found myself helping a fellow teacher navigate a difficult situation during my planning periods.  It was during this season that I decided to take the leap back into graduate school.  

I received a degree in mental health counseling from Liberty University and have since worked specifically with women and adolescents that have struggled with abuse, isolation, relationship problems, and other past obstacles that are often reflected through anger, depression, and anxiety.  Because Liberty University is a fully accredited Christian University, I have not only received a master’s degree in mental health counseling, but I have also received Christian counseling education, allowing me to incorporate Christian counseling for the clients that so desire it.  

Mi experiencia en salud mental consiste en parte de trabajar con mujeres y adolecentes que sufren de depresión, ansiedad, problemas de autoestima, dolor, y problemas con relaciones.  A veces la vida nos lleva atreves de pruebas inesperadas, y es mi deseo poder acompañarle con empatía y respeto a navegar estas pruebas y ayudarle a alcanzar una nueva manera de pensar, actuar, y sentir.  Recibirá ánimo al igual que retos a medida que descubrimos obstáculos emocionales que le impidan obtener relaciones saludables, profundas y gratificantes. 

Como Cristiana, seria mi placer ofrecerle consejería Cristiana si así lo desea.