Maritza Villacis , LCSW

Maritza Villacis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 15 years of professional experience who brings a practical, empathetic approach to therapy. She has worked with veterans, spouses, and staff, and has supported domestic violence survivors, people in shelter placement, seniors, and children. Maritza combines grounded clinical skill with a personable style so clients can speak freely without feeling judged or spoken to in clinical jargon. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and often uses that ability to build trust and understanding across cultural and linguistic differences.

Her clinical work draws on a blend of client-centered, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, supportive, and narrative techniques, allowing her to tailor sessions to each person’s needs. Maritza describes herself as down-to-earth and spiritually guided, and she emphasizes connection as a core part of the healing process. She frames counseling as the start of a healing journey that can be difficult at times, and she partners with committed clients to help them make sense of their experiences and develop workable coping strategies.

Known for her ability to connect, Maritza supports people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, relationship and family concerns, addiction, and other life changes. Her goal is to help clients find practical ways to move forward while honoring their values and lived experience.

Evidence-Informed Approaches and Online Care

Maritza often draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness Therapy in her work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and shift unhelpful thought and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms like anxiety and depression and to build practical coping strategies. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) focuses on understanding emotions and improving attachment and communication in relationships, making it useful for couples and family challenges. Mindfulness Therapy emphasizes present-moment awareness and gentle acceptance, which can help with stress, trauma symptoms, and managing strong emotions.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Maritza works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts techniques as progress unfolds. This collaborative stance helps clients feel involved and empowered in shaping their care.

Online therapy with Maritza is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, which provides flexibility for busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or mobility limitations. These options make it easier to fit therapy into daily life while maintaining continuity of care with licensed professionals and therapists who tailor support to each person’s circumstances.