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About Maria

I’m Maria Ximena Maldonado-Morales, PhD, LCSW-S, MPH. I’m a licensed clinical social worker and researcher offering individual therapy through my private practice, MXMM Therapy.

I specialize in working with adolescents, adults, and perinatal clients navigating trauma, grief, identity exploration, life transitions, and relational challenges. My approach is grounded in deep listening, curiosity, humility, and respect for each client’s lived experience.

I offer in-person and virtual therapy in English and Spanish, based in Houston, Texas.

Therapy Approach

Therapy is a space where we can pause, reflect, and make sense of what feels heavy, confusing, or stuck. As your therapist, my role is to listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and notice patterns—so we can gently explore what’s beneath the surface and tend to what matters most.

I take a trauma-informed and grief-informed approach, drawing from psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, and evidence-based practices. That means we’ll pay attention not only to what’s happening in the present, but also to how past experiences may be shaping your current relationships, emotions, and sense of self.

Therapy with me is collaborative and paced to your needs. I keep notes so I can remember what’s important to you—almost like a file of threads we can return to and follow together. Our work will be guided by your goals, your readiness, and your voice.

What We Can Explore Together

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