Maria Urquiza, LPC

Children, Adolescents, College, Young Adults, Adults, Parents

Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors, Trichotillomania, Skin Picking, Phobias, Tics, Anxiety, OCD, Autism (ASD), Stressful Life Transitions, Emotional Dysregulation, Grief & Loss, LGBTQIA+, Autism, ADHD, Executive Functioning

Hello there! My name is Maria. I have a life-long appreciation for the Evanston community. I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, but as a child of divorce, I spent most of my weekends in Evanston. While, the South side will forever hold my heart, I'm happy to now live and serve the Evanston community.

I know starting therapy can be scary for parents and kids. As a parent, it can feel vulnerable to let your child get support and share with someone else. Kids can feel resistant or anxious too, asking questions like, "What if I hate it?" "What if it's weird talking to someone that I don't know." "Why are you making me go to therapy when I feel fine?" As a kid, I attended therapy myself, so I get it! My job is to help both the parents and your child feel comfortable. If you work with me, you'll experience a warm, welcoming environment with humor, fun and compassion. You will have a safe place where you can talk about anything and everything. I work at your pace. If that means, we need to start with coloring, going for a walk, playing a game, we'll figure it out together.

Throughout my life, I have always gravitated towards careers that helped others. I have been a Senior Youth Coordinator at my community church, worked Guest Services at Wrigley Field during their World Series win and was a camp counselor.

I knew I wanted to dedicate my professional career to helping others through therapy and obtained a dual Masters degree in Forensic Mental Health Leadership & Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. While in graduate school, I specialized in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety related mental health conditions and my clinical experience included working with clients of all ages.

Prior to Inspire, I worked at Light on Anxiety, and found a passion for helping people dealing with anxiety disorders and repetitive body focused behaviors. I am so excited to offer these services and more at the Inspire Evanston.

Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (trichotillomania, skin picking), OCD

I have advanced training in Habit Reversal Training (HBT) and Comprehensive Behavioral Treatment (ComB) to help with Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB's for short). BFRB's can look like skin picking, hair pulling, nail biting, cheek biting and more. Anxiety can make us do mindless things. Habit Reversal training is a type of therapy focused on learning relaxation exercises and increasing awareness of cues for body-focused behaviors.

Sometimes these behaviors can feel embarrassing and are easily misunderstood. People often blame themselves and feel like they should just "stop it." Many people suffer in silence, but you are not alone. Have no fear! I understand, personally and professionally, that these challenges are not that simple. There are ways to develop alternative responses through habit awareness training (HRT). It is very possible to free yourself from these behaviors. Let's have a chat and we can develop a plan for alternative responses to reduce behaviors that may cause damage to your appearance.

Tics & Tourettes

If you have tics or Tourette Syndrome, welcome. I have an understanding of the shame and stigma that comes with ticking. Don't feel ashamed or embarrassed. I offer an empathetic approach using Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention Tics (CBIT). CBIT helps one understand how to manage tic urges and behaviors.

Autism (ASD)

Through my work at "The Place for Children with Autism" in Chicago, I provided individual treatment and one-on-one therapy with kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to help with behavior reduction treatments directed by BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst). I also collected data and implemented learning programs, such as communication, self-help and play skills.

Phobias

"EWWW!" "AGHH!" Afraid of spiders? Have a fear of flying? Fear of throwing up? Storms? Shapes? The dark? Dogs? etc? Say no more. Phobias may seem confusing, or like a "phase," but they are very real. These can be scary for the person dealing with them. Whatever it is, we can work together to free you of it so you can get back to living and enjoying your life.

Together, we can change your beliefs about the feared object or situation in an effort to manage your emotional response with the use of CBT and Exposure Response Prevention.

Anxiety in Children & Adolescents

Children and adolescents often experience and deal with anxiety in different ways than adults. I easily relate to children, adolescents, and young adults, because I know what growing up with anxiety is like -- personally and professionally. When I was in high school, I attended therapy to address my Generalized Anxiety and found it a comforting experience. Not only that, I learned coping skills that have helped me manage life's stressors into my adult life. In fact, my experience was so powerful it is what inspired me to become a counselor myself.

LatinX Culture

Growing up with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in the LatinX culture, I know how challenging it can be to get outside support and not feel like something is wrong with you. While there can be so much support, love and wisdom from family and friends, I know firsthand how helpful it can be to have extra tools from a clinical professional. Therapy and counseling is not intended to replace the support and love from the family and community--but instead be a positive addition. With the right tools, you can do anything. When someone you love starts to feel the freedom from their anxiety, feeling joy and alive, everyone in the family benefits. We are all designed to enjoy our life and live it to it's fullest. I'm here to gently add value, and hope to be a guide to help you do that. .

For Fun..

.When I am out of the office, I like to spend time at the beach, travel and try new foods with my fiancé. My favorite kind of TV shows are anything that deal with the paranormal.... Cryptids included.

To schedule an appointment, Call or TEXT (847) 919-9096 or hello@inspirecounselingcenter.com