I am a licensed professional counselor, currently licensed in West Virginia and South Carolina, with 9 plus years of clinical work experience in both intensive outpatient group therapy and individual therapy with adults with serious mental health diagnoses 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, and 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: Relationship issues, Grief, Anger management, Attachment issues, Codependency, Family of Origin Issues, Guilt and shame, Mood disorders , Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality Disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), 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.
She is amazing. First time I feel really heard in therapy.
Written on Apr 15, 2024 after therapy with Maria for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and compassion fatigue
Maria has made a world of difference in my life. I've had counseling before but no one has truly listened and then responded with compassion, understanding and professionalism the way Maria does. She makes herself available and I'm feeling as if I am finally addressing the things that have caused all the trauma in my life
Written on Jan 11, 2024 after therapy with Maria for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
She's very helpful and knows all the right things to say and how to say them in a way you can understand them. I love her!
Written on Jan 07, 2024 after therapy with Maria for 1 year and 5 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and parenting issues
Very helpful and understanding has a wide range of knowledge in different areas and is in excellent therapist!
Written on Dec 17, 2023 after therapy with Maria for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, and intimacy-related issues
I am so thankful to have had Maria as my therapist. She truly listened to me and helped me work through my feelings, as well as encourage and support me in times I really needed it. She has really helped give me the tools and skills to continue the mental work going forward as well. Thank you again, Maria!
Written on Nov 12, 2023 after therapy with Maria for 1 year and 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, and coping with life changes
Maria is amazing. She listens to me and helps me draw conclusions and make decisions. She validates my feelings and provides tools on how to deal with my anxiety, depression and navigating life changes. She’s great to talk to and message, makes me feel understood and respected. Maria is always rooting for me and gives me strength when I’m down.
Written on Jul 24, 2023 after therapy with Maria for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue