- Years in practice
- 13
- Credentials
- LMFT
- Licensed in
- Texas
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Focus
- Family conflicts
- Focus
- Trauma and abuse
About Maria
Maria Zavala is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 13 years of clinical experience in Texas. She focuses on family concerns, parenting questions, trauma and abuse, intimacy issues, and depression. Her practice is bilingual, offering sessions in English and Spanish for people from diverse backgrounds.
She builds a calm, practical space where people can talk about what matters most. Sessions tend to be straightforward and goal-focused. Maria listens for values, strengths, and patterns that get in the way of everyday functioning.
Background and approach
Her work draws from approaches like Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. She also uses Existential ideas and Mindfulness to explore meaning, cope with stress, and attend to the present moment. Motivational Interviewing supports clients who want to make lasting changes.
Maria often helps people navigating blended family issues, divorce and separation, or conflicts that come from cultural differences. She also supports those dealing with chronic illness, guilt and shame, or the aftermath of domestic violence and other trauma. The emphasis is on practical steps and clearer choices.
People who choose her are usually looking for a respectful, culturally aware therapist who offers direct feedback and collaborative problem solving. New clients begin by filling out a short matching questionnaire and then scheduling sessions according to availability.
What Maria works with
Everything Maria lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Maria helps people with.
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Intimacy-related issues
- Parenting issues
- Depression
- Blended family issues
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Control issues
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Family problems
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Immigration issues
- Impulsivity
- Infidelity
- Life purpose
- Mood disorders
- Multicultural concerns
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
- Self-harm
- Sex addiction
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sexuality
- Somatization
- Women's issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Maria lists
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Existential Therapy
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Narrative Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
- Internal Family Systems
- Systemic Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Approaches that guide online sessions and practical benefits
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and meeting clients where they are. It helps people feel heard, clarify their values, and make choices that reflect what matters to them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and uses practical exercises to reduce distress and change unhelpful patterns. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and grounding practices to manage stress and stay present during difficult moments.The therapist will work collaboratively to find the best approach for each person. That means trying methods, checking what helps, and adjusting the plan to fit your goals and preferences. Clients are invited to give feedback so sessions stay useful and relevant.
Online therapy with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for busy schedules and different needs. Video sessions allow face-to-face conversation when visual cues matter. Phone sessions can fit a shorter break or use less bandwidth. Live chat and text messaging make it easier to check in between appointments or communicate when typing feels more comfortable. These options let people keep therapy steady while balancing family, work, or health demands.
Questions people ask about Maria
What concerns does Maria commonly address?
She supports people with family problems, parenting challenges, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related concerns, and depression. Additional areas include blended family issues, divorce and separation, and multicultural concerns.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is warm, practical, and collaborative. She combines listening with clear strategies to help clients set goals and try small changes between sessions.
What is her background and experience?
Maria has 13 years of clinical experience working with diverse communities and complex life issues. She emphasizes culturally responsive care and a strengths-based perspective.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, TX LMFT, practicing in Texas.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available online?
Maria offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and schedules.
How does pricing and getting started work?
Costs vary by location and therapist availability and use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
More therapists for parents in Texas
All in Texas
Texas 16 years in practice
Compassionate, practical counseling for life challenges
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Self esteem
Henry "Jay" Swedlaw
LPCC, LCMHC
Texas 20 years in practice
Straightforward counseling for life and parenting challenges
- Stress, Anxiety
- LGBT
- Relationship
Jason Adams
LPC
Texas 20 years in practice
Practical counseling for parenting and life challenges
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship
- Self esteem