Maritza Diaz had a mentor who was a counselor at the University of Illinois who influenced her decision to become a licensed clinical social worker.
Maritza’s mentor had a specialty in working with experiencing gender issues and sexual assault. Her interest in helping in these areas became a pivotal moment for her to find her niche. She wanted to support clients experiencing similar challenges and wanted to make an impact with psychoeducation.
As early as the fourth grade, Maritza was intrigued by learning about human sexuality and gender issues and immersed herself in books about these topics. As a result, Martiza believes in sex-positive evidence-based education on sexual health, especially at a young age.
Maritza is bilingual and entirely comfortable working with both English Speaking and Spanish Speaking clients. Over time she has noticed that there is not a lot of support for the Hispanic population and is grateful to be a resource for that population.
When it comes to Maritza’s therapeutic style, she has been described as patient, understanding, and accepting yet also persistent and straightforward.
Maritza Diaz studied gender and women studies during her undergraduate work at the University of Illinois and received her Master of Social Work and Education with a specialization in Human Sexuality and certification in Trauma from Widener University. She also has a certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Therefore, most of Maritza’s clinical work has been centered around gender challenges, gender transitioning, sexuality, sexual orientation, sexual development, sexual assault, adverse childhood experiences, and trauma. Additionally, she specializes in oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, behavioral disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Maritza currently lives in Champaign, IL, and has worked in many local places including Cunningham Children’s Home and RACES (Rape Advocacy, Counseling, and Education Services).
The Therapy Approaches Maritza Diaz Uses with Clients:
Maritza is one of our Therapists in Champaign, Illinois. Additionally, she sees clients through Teletherapy. Some of the different types of therapy modalities include:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT)
TF-CBT is an evidence-based psychotherapy treatment for children and adolescents impacted by trauma. It utilizes interventions that are sensitive to the trauma of youth. This treatment model is typically for youth who have had either a single or multiple experiences ranging from sexual, physical, or mental abuse.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (commonly known as CBT)
CBT is a goal-oriented therapy that involves changing thinking and behavior patterns that are unhelpful. Additionally, it focuses on learning better ways of coping with challenges and creating a better quality of life.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT is an evidence-based psychotherapy that is a modified type of CBT. It builds skills to live in the present moment, regulate their emotions, and be comfortable in uncomfortable situations. In addition, it has a strong foundation in dialects in understanding that opposites can exist, and that’s ok. Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., created DBT and is designed to treat a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is a client-centered therapy approach that helps clients find the motivation to make positive behavior changes. Essentially it empowers clients to take responsibility for their healing. Motivational Interviewing has treated substance use and addiction disorders. However, it has evolved to support many other conditions.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
This therapeutic approach combines cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness meditation techniques. It ultimately teaches clients to be in the present moment without judgment. Also, it guides you to pay attention to their thoughts and feelings actively. Additionally, there is a strong connection between the mind and the body with this approach. Although MBCT helps treat depression and anxiety, it has grown to help treat many other conditions.