Maria Spada, LPC

We all have times in our lives when we struggle, and we find ways to cope that may not be the most helpful or effective for us. Perhaps you had difficult or traumatic experiences in your past, and you just want to find ways to lessen their impact on your current life. Maybe you’re going through a particularly difficult time, or are battling with unwanted behaviors. You are not alone in this and you’ve taken the brave step of reaching out for support.

I work with both couples and individuals to provide a place for you to be seen and heard. Together we dive in and really explore what’s going on for you. We examine your current ways of coping that may have originally been useful and protective, but are now holding you back, or interfering with having fulfilling relationships with those around you. I can help you to look at what gets in the way of effectively dealing with the challenges that life can bring, and together, consider alternative ways that serve you better. You’ll become empowered to be your best self, even in times of turmoil.

Often couples come to me feeling like there is a breakdown in communication preventing them from connecting in a more emotionally fulfilling way. Others come because there has been a breach of trust, or they feel lost in conflict. They may feel far apart from each other, or they miss how they used to be together. My work with couples is rooted in attachment theory and draws from proven approaches, including Emotionally Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method. Together, we dig out the underlying reasons behind you and your partner’s dynamics, and look for what keeps you stuck in those patterns. You each get to be heard and understood. Then, you can better understand and recognize each other’s feelings and needs. I’ll guide you in finding more constructive ways of expressing yourself and connecting more effectively.

Many individuals I work with come in because they have experienced sexual or childhood trauma. Together, we safely process those experiences in a way that empowers you to put your pieces back together. Other individuals come with difficulties like anxiety, sadness, stress, self-doubt, grief and loss, work-life balance issues, or challenging life transitions. We unravel those overwhelming feelings, so you can make more sense of them and open yourself to new choices with more clarity and ease.

A little bit more about me: I came to this profession with extensive life experiences and a desire to help, and I have definitely found my true calling—supporting clients through adversity and growth. Outside of my therapy practice, you’ll find me somewhere in Austin’s amazing greenbelts, or relaxing with a yoga session in the shade. As a registered yoga teacher, I can also offer breathing techniques, mindfulness practices, and other somatic tools that may be useful in your healing process.