Maria Dias , LCSW

Maria Dias is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has provided psychotherapy since 2005. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Rutgers University with a double major in Psychology and Social Work, and completed a Master of Social Work at New York University. As an LCSW Maria holds advanced training in clinical social work and mental health treatment, reflecting years of formal education and supervised practice.

Maria has continued her professional development through post-graduate training focused on clinical work with adolescents and their families, drawing on evidence-based tools. Her additional training includes psychoanalytic approaches, hypnotherapy, and specialized work in the treatment of panic and anxiety. These varied trainings inform a flexible clinical skill set that she brings to each therapeutic relationship.

Believing that each person is both connected to common human experiences and uniquely individual, Maria emphasizes getting to know clients rather than fitting them into a single theory. She uses an eclectic approach that centers the person - offering a non-judgmental space to explore hopes, fears, and goals. Maria supports clients in setting and working toward meaningful objectives at a pace that respects their individual needs and readiness.

Approaches Maria Uses in Online Therapy

Maria often draws on Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in her work. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building rapport and understanding through empathic listening and support, helping people explore feelings, values, and personal goals in a space that honors their perspective. CBT addresses the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, offering practical strategies to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop more effective coping skills for anxiety, mood challenges, and stress.

DBT teaches tools for managing strong emotions, improving relationships, and handling distress through skills such as emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. These approaches can be combined or adapted to suit specific concerns and life circumstances.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process. Maria works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods fit best based on their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress is made and new priorities emerge.

Online therapy with Maria is offered by video call, phone session, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility and accessibility. These options make it possible to schedule sessions around busy lives, maintain continuity during transitions, and access support from familiar surroundings, while allowing therapists and clients to choose formats that suit their communication style and practical needs.