Maria Elana Cardillo

About Me

Hi there, I’m Maria Cardillo. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with several years of experience working in clinical psychology settings including partial care programs and agencies providing individual therapy for adults. I help people who are easily overwhelmed to learn distress tolerance techniques and stress management skills. Together we can strategize about what to do to help you to manage your emotions. We’ll use a whole self-approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. Whether you’re dealing with a life transition such as relationship/job changes, chronic illness or cycles of anxiety and depression, I’m here to help. Seeking therapy can be scary but you’re making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I’ll meet you with compassion and a judgment free zone so you can overcome the fears and long held beliefs holding you back. Let's work together as I’ve been there too and believe each person is different. My goal is to ensure that the therapeutic strategies used in session are tailored to you as an individual.

Highlights

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
My counseling style is authentic, integrative, supportive, genuine, compassionate, empathetic and curious. My approach combines humanistic, psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral counseling. My philosophy includes meeting you where you are while working to challenge the thoughts and behaviors keeping you stuck. I’m so excited that you’ve taken the first step in moving towards your wellness goals and I’m here to support and empower you through the entire journey. I look forward to working with you.
 
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I utilize evidence-based therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapy. I’m an expert in psychotherapy, you are an expert in yourself, and I believe you already have many of the answers inside of you. Your treatment plan will be individualized and tailored to fit your specific needs. As your counselor, my goal is to empower you to be able to make the changes that allow you to find the balance and vision that fits your life.
 
Explain to clients what you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have worked with children, adolescents, teens, and adults in individual therapy, school-based programs, women’s centers and outpatient programs. I have worked with clients in a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, psychosis, DV/SA and substance abuse. I am also interested in working with individuals living with chronic, autoimmune illnesses. While I have worked in a general way with all ages and a variety of groups, my current focus population is adults ages 22-65.