Profile / United States
Maria Zavala, LMFT
Texas
LMFT - Family and trauma focused
See online therapy options- CBT informed methods
- Bilingual English Spanish
- Family and parenting issues
About Maria
Maria Zavala is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Texas with 13 years of clinical experience. She works with people facing family strain, trauma and abuse, intimacy issues, parenting challenges, and depression. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Maria uses clear, goal-focused methods to help people spot unhelpful thoughts and habits. She combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with client-centered and existential ideas to address everyday problems. Sessions focus on practical steps - changing thought patterns, testing new behaviors, and improving communication within families.
Her work includes help with blended family issues, divorce and separation, and conflict after infidelity. She also supports people coping with chronic illness or pain, immigration-related stress, guilt and shame, and problems with control or impulsivity. Mood disorders and disruptive mood dysregulation concerns are part of her caseload as well.
Maria pays attention to cultural background and language needs. That means she listens for how culture shapes relationships and choices, and she uses that understanding when planning next steps. Her bilingual skills allow flexibility for English- or Spanish-speaking sessions.
In sessions clients can expect straightforward feedback, practical exercises, and regular review of progress. The work is collaborative: goals are set together and adjusted as needed. To begin, clients follow the site process to complete a brief matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
How Maria Uses Structured Approaches in Remote Sessions
Maria blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy in short, practical ways. CBT is about spotting patterns of thinking that make problems worse and trying different responses to see what changes. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes clear listening and working from the client’s priorities to set useful goals.She also draws on existential ideas to help people clarify values and choices when facing big life shifts. That approach helps when someone is questioning purpose, meaning, or the direction of their relationships. Together these methods give concrete tools and space to weigh options and act on small changes.
Finding the right mix of methods is a collaborative process. The therapist will review what is and isn’t working and adjust methods based on the client’s needs, goals, and preferences. Clients and the therapist agree on goals and practical steps during early sessions and revisit them regularly.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current online session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a workday, reduce travel time, and allow short check-ins when needed. Therapists can also suggest exercises to practice between appointments so progress continues outside session time.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
13+ years
Listed in
Texas
Languages
English, Spanish
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address most often?
She commonly works with family problems, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting concerns, and depression.
How does she use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
CBT is used to identify unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors. Sessions focus on practical exercises and short-term skill building.
What is her clinical background?
She has 13 years of experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working with a range of relationship and mood concerns.
Where is she licensed and based?
She holds an LMFT credential and practices in Texas.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Are international clients accepted?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are session costs handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps do I take to start?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.