I am a licensed professional counselor, currently licensed in West Virginia and South Carolina, with 10+ years of clinical work experience in both intensive outpatient group therapy and individual therapy with adults with serious mental health diagnoses. In this setting I worked with a professional team to develop and improve coping skills to manage life- and mental health related stressors.
I work with clients to improve skills to manage stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, history of adverse childhood experiences and attachment rupture. I am well versed in trauma therapy and in accompanying clients to come to terms with past trauma.
I also work with clients to develop skills to cope with life changes such as loss of role, changes in health, and adjusting to developmental stages in adult life.
I have experienced and seen the benefits of a warm therapeutic relationship in creating change in clients. I know the importance of engaging clients to recognize their existing strengths and skills that can be applied to manage stressors, overcome challenges, and to improve quality of life.
I use a variety of theoretical treatment approaches as it fits the client - no one theory fits all. I will work with you to develop a therapeutic language that resonates with you.
Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and you have taken that first step! I am looking forward to work with you!
Additional areas of focus: Grief, Anger management, Attachment issues, Codependency, Family of origin issues, Guilt and shame, Mood disorders, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
SC LPC 8368
WV LPC 2388
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Maria Gaum. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I have started and stopped therapy a number of times over the years. Maria is the first therapist that made me want to do the work for me. Her heart to help is clear and she’s trustworthy and you can tell from the moment that you meet her. I owe her much for the way my life is infinitely better and more present and honestly just healthier in many many ways after sitting with her each week. It’s an investment that’s an easy yes for me even while money is tight. That tells me a whole lot about how much I deeply believe in its value. Maria is a KEY piece of that and I am very grateful to her.
Written on Jan 22, 2026 after therapy with Maria for 3 years and 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
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Written on Dec 22, 2025 after therapy with Maria for 8 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Maria is a fantastic listener and advisor. She delves into the causality of the situation and helps me to take a breath, and to look at things from a different perspective.
Written on Nov 03, 2025 after therapy with Maria for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, and coping with life changes
Maria has helped me so much in the last few months reduce nausea episodes and so adaptable in her approach to help with any needs. Everyone needs a Maria!
Written on Oct 29, 2025 after therapy with Maria for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, parenting issues, and career difficulties
Very supportive and informative therapist. I look forward to my sessions
Written on Oct 20, 2025 after therapy with Maria for 1 year and 11 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, and coping with life changes
I honestly didn't understand what my head was trying to tell me, but Maria was able to help me peel back the layers of my thoughts like an onion. She helped me take control of my life back!
Written on Aug 17, 2025 after therapy with Maria for 6 months on issues concerning bipolar disorder