Get to know us
Maria Arrieta, iBSc, M.A. Candidate
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Clinic Coordinator
she/her
Maria Arrieta is the Clinic Coordinator at Connect and Thrive Psychology. She is also a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) licensed with the College of Psychotherapists of Ontario. Maria provides therapy to adults, under the supervision of Dr. Jenkin Mok.
Training & Experience
Maria holds an International Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Cognitive Neuropsychology from York University. She is currently a candidate for the Master of Arts in Theology, Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU). Maria has worked with clients for many years. Most recently, she completed a practicum and externship at the Delton Glebe Counselling Centre, run by Martin Luther University College at WLU. Maria has also held leadership positions in nonprofit social services and academic research labs. She is currently participating in ongoing certification focused on evidence-based strategies for addressing trauma and shame, as well as supporting individuals with mood disorders.
Approach to Care
My clients describe me as a warm and grounding presence, compassionately shedding light on the parts of themselves that feel hidden, heavy, or in the dark. – Maria
Maria has a person-centered, mindfulness-informed approach, with an emphasis on creating an explorative, accepting, and compassionate environment. Her approach blends compassionate, curious exploration with practical tools designed to address her client’s current needs. She aims to support her clients in recognizing and embracing their strengths, while working towards addressing areas of growth together. Conversations may include culture, religion, identity, spirituality, intimacy, and the relationships clients have with others as well as themself. She understands that challenging, uncomfortable, or painful topics may come up in therapy – and she is ready to support and to walk alongside her clients regardless of what surfaces.
The first few sessions with Maria typically involve learning about her client’s story and learning how the therapeutic space can best support their healing and growth. From there, Maris collaborates with her clients to decide the best way forward, frequently checking in to see if there is a need to shift directions or adjust along the way. Maria often describes creating an “invisible structure” that connects her client’s sessions, allowing room for them to bring what matters most to their meetings, while gently highlighting recurring themes that are apparent in her work with clients.
As the practice’s Client Care Coordinator, Maria is often the first point of contact for clients. Whether speaking with folks looking to learn more about the practice, conducting intake calls, or assisting existing clients with their administrative needs, Maria’s kind, compassionate and respectful approach helps clients feel comfortable. Maria works diligently to understand the practice’s clients’ needs and to ensure that they get the information or resources that they need with little delay.
Client Goals & Concerns
- Self-esteem, identity, and personal growth
- Spirituality, meaning-making, mindfulness
- Perfectionism, overthinking, self-criticism
- Intergenerational trauma, immigration and cultural identity
- Relationship issues, attachment, interpersonal challenges (romantic, friends, family)
- Communication and assertiveness, interpersonal development
- Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, worry, and general stress
- Stress, burnout, life transitions
- Depression, low mood, rumination
Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Mindfulness
- Humanistic/existential
- Narrative therapy
- Spiritually-integrated psychotherapy