MARIA GREGG

LCSW, EMDr | THERAPIST

Base Rate: $155/60-minute billable counseling session (53+ minutes of service)

EMDR Rate: $165/60-minute billable counseling session (53+ minutes of service)

Accepts Insurance

Pronouns: She/They

Trained in Somatic Attachment EMDR

LCSW LICENSE NO. 114165

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Maria is particularly well-suited to support

Individuals experiencing symptoms associated with a mood or thought disorder

Individuals working through life transitions, grief, and loss
People who want to understand relational trauma and how it affects current relationship dynamics
People wanting to learn how to feel emotions in the body and regulate their nervous systems

Why I do this work

In many ways, I became a therapist because I wanted to "be the change you want to see in the world." I sought out care for my own mental health in my early 20s, but I had a hard time finding someone who was willing to be relatable, curious, and hold space for me as I was trying to figure out who I was in the midst of navigating difficult mental health symptoms.

As I gained tools and skills in my healing journey, I wanted to impart what I found to be effective and helpful and strived to become the therapist that I had needed. Having a lived experience with a mental health condition, I have a unique recognition of the grief process that inevitably shows up when receiving a life-changing diagnosis.

What was often missing in my own treatment was addressing internalized and cultural stigma that influenced how I dealt with the limitations and suffering involved with my mental health condition. It takes a lot of courage to self examine, recognize we need help, accept help, accept ourselves, and to work with and not fight or get rid of our pain.

My mission is to help people recognize and dismantle the internalized stigma that pushes them to society's margins. When we face mental health challenges or personal struggles, we often absorb unfair beliefs about our worth and place in the world. Through therapy, I create a space where these harmful narratives can be examined, challenged, and ultimately replaced with a more compassionate understanding of ourselves. My ultimate hope is to create safe, understanding partnerships with my clients so they don't have to walk their journeys alone.

Approach to therapy

I am a certified Somatic Attachment Focused EMDR therapist which allows me to assist individuals who heavily intellectualize their emotions. Integrating Internal Family Systems and Acceptance Commitment therapy approaches, I support clients to be curious instead of judgmental of their internal experiences. In partnering together, we can identify what really matters to you, using your values as a map so that you can show up as your authentic self.

We’ll rediscover your inherent dignity and value, helping you move from the edges of your communities back into full, authentic participation in life. This isn't just about healing – it's about reclaiming the right to belong, to contribute, and to thrive.

To quote Brené Brown "vulnerability is our most accurate measure of courage" and I am a therapist willing to create a courageous, safe space so you can be fully seen. Repeatedly practicing vulnerability gives you permission to be your authentic, true self in the world.

Education

I received my Masters in Social Work in 2005 from Eastern Washington University. I started my journey as a child welfare social worker for the state of Washington and went into community mental health when I moved to the Bay Area in Northern California. Additionally, I worked for a Wraparound program for adolescents, Adult Community Outpatient Mental Health, Intensive Outpatient Hospitalization Program and a Private Practice Group in Oregon. In two decades of being in various roles as a social worker I've witnessed how our self-perception shapes not just our individual lives, but our entire relationship with family and community. Now as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe in the transformative power of challenging the stories we tell ourselves.

Personal

Having just moved from the Pacific Northwest, acclimating to the Texas heat has been a process… But I’m grateful to be in a state that knows how to barbecue as my favorite food is meat (LOL)! I am someone who finds long distance running meditative and relaxing. I also enjoy long walks with my cattle dog, Moo.

Favorite place in Austin: I am new to the city and still exploring!

Favorite Saturday afternoon activity: Just existing, no expectations, and going with the flow.

Favorite animal: My dog!

Favorite holiday: My birthday ;)

I feel happiest when: I am outside, present, and in the moment.

If I had a superpower it would be: Mantis’ (from Guardian's of the Galaxy) superpowers.

The place I feel the most safe/calm/ and comfortable: In my bed, under the covers.