Maria Barinova, LMHC

Hello! My name is Maria Barinova. I know that looking for a counselor can be a scary decision, so I want to give you an idea of who I am and how I approach therapy. This way, you can decide if we are a good fit. You can always call me too if you would like to know more. 

The most important thing to note is that counseling should be person-centered. My job as a counselor is to create a space where you feel safe and supported. The therapy “room” (even when it is virtual) should be a place where you feel comfortable sharing anything you want without the fear of judgment. 

If you are struggling with a relationship, familial issues, a difficult life transition, or just struggling to get through the day-to-day then it is a good time to ask for help. I believe that it is never too late to start counseling and that counseling is a unique experience for everyone. Some people might go to counseling weekly for years, some might go to sessions weekly for 6 months and then transition to biweekly, some might be going to counseling for the first time, and some might be looking for a new counselor. All these experiences are valid, and my goal is to help you figure out what works for you and what you want to achieve through counseling. Something I always stress to clients is that finding the right counselor is a process. If we meet and you find that we are not a good fit, then I would be happy to refer you to a different practitioner with no hard feelings.