Hi, I’m Maria Vidal!
I’m a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern at Mind-Body Trauma Therapy.
I am currently in the final phase of my clinical training and completing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UCF.
I practice from an IFS-informed lens, combining parts-work and mindfulness practices to help bridge the connection between the mind and body. I also support clients in gently connecting past experiences to the present moment. My work focuses on helping you uncover deeper meaning behind learned habits and protective patterns that emerge from past trauma. Together, we can explore how these patterns influence your current life, like your attachment style, how you show up in relationships, your internal self-talk, emotional reactions, behaviors, and coping mechanisms. I am dedicated to helping you shift from feeling stuck in old patterns to showing up with greater clarity. I work with adults and teens ages 15+.
I believe healing begins when we stop trying to “fix” ourselves and start trying to understand ourselves. I am committed to creating a values-driven space where people feel free to show up as their full selves, explore their internal world, and begin to trust their own voice again.
Rate: $50 per 60-minute session.
If cost is a concern, we can talk about options together, on a case by case basis.
Areas of Expertise:
-
I’ll help you work with the inner critic that fuels shame, perfectionism, and self-doubt. I support you in building a more compassionate, grounded relationship with yourself.
My work focuses on gaining deep insight into the root of these patterns, and then strengthening self-trust and a steady sense of self-worth. -
I’ll help you understand what happens in your nervous system during emotional overwhelm and moments of dysregulation.
Together, we build practical and somatic tools to help regulate in real time and feel more grounded and steady when feeling emotions. -
I’ll help you understand how early attachment wounds shape your patterns in relationships.
Together, we work on building secure, nourishing connections with yourself and others.
Therapeutic Approach:
-
Parts work helps people get to know the different parts of themselves that show up in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Over time, this therapy helps people learn to understand and accept these parts of themselves, and lessen unhelpful patterns.
-
Attachment-based therapy is a deeply relational approach where clients experience a consistent, attuned, and emotionally present connection with their therapist.
Over time, that relationship becomes a space to notice patterns, repair relational wounds, and practice feeling safer in connection.
-
A body-centered approach to healing that focuses on the connection between the mind and body. It helps people process and release trauma, stress, and emotions stored physically though techniques like breath work, tracking sensations, movement, and mindfulness.
Getting personal…
“I’m a Hispanic woman born in Cuba and moved to South Florida when I was 8. Being an immigrant shaped much of my early life. I know what it’s like to feel like an outsider or like I don’t quite fit in. Over time, I’ve learned how to find that sense of belonging within myself and in the connections I build with others. I found that I can create that feeling of home wherever I go by staying grounded in my values and showing up for the people I love. This has led me to deeply appreciate the beautiful differences that make us human.
As a therapist, I value understanding each person’s unique story, which is why I believe in creating a space that feels welcoming and comfortable to all identities. I also value authenticity and honesty, and strive to bring that into the therapy space so clients feel empowered to do the same. I believe in shifting from perfection to presence, and that healing is a lifelong practice rather than a destination. I also believe that every part of us - even our fears and struggles - deserve to be understood with compassion. Through my own healing experience, I have learned the power of being in the present moment, celebrating small wins, and communicating my needs while accepting my flaws and imperfections. Self-acceptance and self-love is a long journey (one I’m still on - I still sometimes struggle with insecurities and doubts, and that’s okay). With continued compassion and curiosity, I’ve been working on loving all parts of myself. I’ve continued to show up for myself and understand myself better, without judgment. I am so thankful for the skills I have learned, and for those I continue to develop, as I move through life.
I’d love to support you as you navigate your path to healing and finding your peace. My hope is to facilitate a safe environment for processing, reflection, and growth - one where you feel truly seen and heard, and can build a life that feels authentic, manageable, and integrated. I’d love to help you break old patterns, make room for new possibilities, and uncover the strengths you already have within you.“
-Maria <3
I value empathy, balance, peace, and growth.
I strive to meet every experience with an open heart and a steady mind to create a life of alignment and purpose - choosing understanding over judgment and progress over perfection.
