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Maria Ochoa

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Maria Ochoa, LCSW

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What Should Your Client Know About You?

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 15 years of experience providing behavioral health and social services to children, adolescents, young adults, and families. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals experiencing trauma, family separation, displacement, violence, adjustment difficulties, and other challenging life experiences, including extensive work with unaccompanied children and youth.

I understand that reaching out for therapy can feel difficult and vulnerable. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you can feel heard, respected, and comfortable sharing your experiences at your own pace. I believe that each person’s story is unique and that culture, family relationships, personal experiences, and individual strengths all play an important role in the healing process.

I strive to provide care that is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and respectful of each person’s individual needs and experiences. I also provide bilingual services in English and Spanish and have experience providing therapy both in person and through telehealth.

License

LCSW #129943
California

Client Focus Age

  • Adults (18 and up)

Modalities

Individual Therapy, Telehealth, Bilingual Therapy (English and Spanish)

Areas of Focus

  • Behavioral and Emotional Concerns
  • Childhood and Developmental Trauma
  • Cultural, Family and Relationship Concerns and Dynamics
  • Displacement and Adjustment Difficulties
  • Family Separation
  • Grief and Loss
  • Immigration-Related Experiences
  • Self-Esteem and Coping Skills
  • Stress Management and Anxiety
  • Trauma and Trauma-Related Concerns
  • Violence and Exploitation-Related Trauma
What is your approach to therapy?

My approach to therapy is trauma-informed, client-centered, collaborative, and strengths-based. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and my role is to provide a supportive space, clinical guidance, and practical tools to help you work toward the changes that are meaningful to you.

I utilize evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Play Therapy, and Solution-Focused interventions. Depending on your needs and goals, I also incorporate grounding techniques, mindfulness, problem-solving, and other practical strategies to support emotional regulation and overall well-being. My clinical experience also includes working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, adjustment difficulties, grief and loss, and emotional or behavioral challenges.

Together, we will work to better understand how your experiences may be affecting your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and daily life. I believe therapy should be a collaborative process. My goal is to meet you where you are, respect your pace, and work together toward meaningful and sustainable change.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Clients can expect a warm, supportive, and respectful environment where they can explore their experiences without judgment. I recognize that meaningful change takes time, and I strive to tailor therapy to your individual needs, strengths, goals, and circumstances.

Through our work together, you may develop greater awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns; strengthen coping and emotional regulation skills; learn practical strategies for managing stress and difficult situations; and build upon strengths that can support resilience and personal growth.

My goal is for you to leave sessions feeling heard and supported while gaining tools and insights that you can apply outside of therapy. I hope to help you develop greater confidence in navigating life’s challenges and recognize your own capacity for healing, growth, and resilience. It is a privilege to walk alongside you as you work toward greater emotional well-being and meaningful change.

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As Always Blu Specializes In You

We offer in-person therapy at our Covina and La Verne locations, as well as telehealth throughout California.

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