Maria Gleason, MA

Finding Your Way Through Life’s Challenges

Life doesn’t always go as planned. Whether it’s the weight of anxiety, the strain of family conflict, or relationship patterns that feel impossible to change, it can leave people feeling disconnected and overwhelmed. These struggles often build quietly over time, like tension at home, emotional distance in a partnership, or personal challenges that feel isolating and exhausting.

I’m Maria Gleason, a prelicensed practitioner, and I work with teens, adults, couples, and families who are facing these difficult chapters. Many carry not just personal pain, but stress deeply tied to their closest relationships—partners, parents, children. Therapy creates an environment where people can slow down, reflect, and begin to shift the patterns that keep them stuck.

Why Work With Me

People often describe me as warm, easy to talk to, and grounding, but also someone who isn’t afraid to challenge when it matters. My approach balances genuine connection with accountability.

I’ve spent nearly two years in clinical practice, following a nine-month practicum, working with individuals, couples, and families. What keeps me connected to this work is the incredible potential for transformation. It is a privilege to sit with people in their hardest moments and support them in finding peace, clarity, and a stronger sense of self.

My goal is to meet each person in their current place of struggle, whether they are overwhelmed by anxiety, navigating a relationship rupture, or seeking healing from long-standing emotional pain. Along the way, I aim to increase self-awareness, confidence, and the tools to make meaningful change in daily life. And yes, I believe therapy can be serious and compassionate while still making room for humor when it helps lighten the load.

My Approach to Therapy

Therapy with me tends to feel natural and grounded. Most sessions begin with a check-in and then move in the direction that feels most important that day. Clients lead the way, while I stay focused on the deeper patterns tied to their goals. Sometimes sessions are filled with insight and energy. Other times, they’re quieter and more reflective. Both have value.

My approach integrates a variety of therapeutic models, depending on each client's needs:

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
  Support individuals in recognizing and shifting unhelpful thought patterns, building emotional regulation, and developing new coping skills. These offer practical tools to apply between sessions.

• EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) and Gottman Couples Therapy
  Help couples identify emotional needs, improve communication, and rebuild trust through structured, research-based interventions.

• Systemic and Family Approaches
  Including Bowenian, Structural Family Therapy, and Attachment-Based models to help individuals, couples, and families understand how relationship dynamics and family history influence current challenges.

In each session, I use a mix of reflection, questions, silence, and—when needed—clear direction. I may model tools or offer strategies to try between sessions. No matter the pace, the work stays collaborative, intentional, and centered around what matters most to the client.

Addressing Common Concerns

I work with clients facing a range of emotional and relational challenges, including:

• Family and relationship conflict

• Communication struggles

• Anxiety and overthinking

• Depression and low motivation

• Trauma and PTSD

• Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors

• Stress from major life transitions

Even when the problem feels unclear, it’s okay to start with a general sense that something isn’t right. We can sort through what’s happening and begin to make sense of it in a way that feels manageable and clear.

A Bit About Me

Outside of the therapy room, I’m someone who values curiosity, connection, and play. I’m married, and I love spending time reading, going on long walks, playing board games, and getting out for a game of pickleball when I can. I’m also an animal lover—dogs, cats, and especially pandas.

These parts of my life help keep me grounded and remind me of the joy that can exist even in the midst of hard work and healing.

Let’s Work Together

Beginning therapy is a meaningful step, and finding the right fit is important. If you're feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just ready for things to be different, I'm here to help.

Whether you're looking for support individually, as a couple, or as a family, we can work together to understand what's happening and move toward real change. Feel free to reach out to schedule your first appointment. I look forward to meeting you.