Maura Amaral, LMFT

she/her

Licensed in CA #117165

Insurances Accepted: Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, Health Net/MHN

Speaks portuguese, spanish

I have over 20 years of experience equipping clients with tools and techniques that can be useful when they need to rescue themselves.

My Focus Areas

Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Burnout, Cultural Issues/Racial Trauma, Depression, Eating Disorders, Family Conflict, Grief, Immigration, Life Transitions, Panic, Self-Harm, Sexual Trauma, Sleep, Stress, Trauma, Women's Issues

My Therapy Style

My approach is calm, empathetic, compassionate, client-led, trauma-informed, and Strengths-Based. If my client is open to trying different interventions, I am well-versed in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Mindfulness, Meditation, and Motivational Interviewing. I like prescribing movements such as yoga, movie therapy, and bibliotherapy as adjunct to therapy. I have over 20 years of experience empowering clients, teaching them coping skills, identifying distorted thinking, and triggers, and equipping them with tools and techniques that can be useful when they need to rescue themselves, helping them connect with their inner strength and see the diamond that they are.

My Approach

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Harm Reduction, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, Strengths-based

Education & Training

Degree - Psychology, Pontificia Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Masters - Sports Psychology, Autonoma University of Madrid, Spain

MA - Marriage and Family Therapy, University of San Francisco, California

Get to Know Me

Why did you become a mental health professional?

I enjoy helping people become the best version of themselves.

What are your interests outside of work?

Dancing, scuba diving, yoga, socializing, and traveling.

What is one thing you do daily that supports your well-being?

I like to work out.

What book have you read more than once?

The Little Prince (in French, Italian, Portuguese, and English). It beautifully offers great views on important human values.