Building Resilience
Mental health services to support you during all of life's transitions
WELCOME
Life's journey is filled with transitions, some of which can be deeply challenging. Whether you're grappling with the overwhelming emotions of trying to conceive, navigating the complexities of parenthood, facing the heartache of divorce, or mourning the loss of a loved one, know that you're not alone. I understand the unique struggles that accompany these life transitions and I have created a practice that offers a safe and supportive space to explore your feelings, gain clarity, and find healing.
I specialize in helping individuals and couples who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties as a result of life's changes. With a compassionate approach and a wealth of professional expertise, I strive to create a therapeutic environment where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate through life's challenges with resilience and strength.
Specialties
Perinatal Mental Health
Starting a family can be one of the most exciting times in a person’s life and most anticipate that the journey will always be a joyous one. However, many face obstacles even before they become parents whether it be due to an unexpected infertility diagnosis, pregnancy loss, changes to one’s relationship dynamics, or the need to make adjustments to one’s work/life balance. I recognize that there is a stigma in speaking about some of these issues, but there is no shame in reaching out for help. Your happiness and mental well-being is just as important as your physical health.
Even if a parent has never experienced a mental health disorder prior to the perinatal period, they can still be affected by a PMAD during the perinatal period.
Some of the most common symptoms a parent with a PMAD may experience include:
· Feelings of hopelessness/despair
· Feeling extremely overwhelmed
· Feelings of nervousness/restlessness
· Fatigue that persists even after sleep
· Changes to appetite
· Thoughts of self-harming/suicide ideation
· Intrusive thoughts
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, know that you are not alone. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Perinatal Depression affects as many as one in seven women.
“Every year more than 400,000 infants are born to mothers who are depressed which makes perinatal depression the most under diagnosed obstetric complication in America.” (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2010)
Parenting
I have a deep understanding of the unique struggles that all parents encounter, particularly when parenting children with special needs. I offer a compassionate and supportive space for parents to explore their emotions, address parenting-related issues, and develop effective coping strategies. Whether you're navigating the complexities of parenting a neurodivergent child or grappling with your own recent neurodivergent diagnosis after your child's diagnosis, I am here to support you every step of the way. Together, we'll work collaboratively to help you build confidence, resilience, and a deeper connection with your child, fostering a positive and nurturing family environment.
Grief and Loss
Grief is one of life’s most painful experiences. The impact of grief should not be underestimated. It can impact your life in many ways including causing changes to your relationships, health, work productivity, and overall quality of life. Grief can also be an isolating experience, but you don’t have to experience it alone. If you’re experiencing grief in any form-be it the loss of a family member, beloved pet, the end of marriage, or any other painful loss, help is available. Grief has touched my life for the entirety of my life. It motivated me to turn my pain into purpose and I am now a certified grief educator.
Certifications
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider
The Perinatal Mental Health Certification Program was developed by Postpartum Support International in 2018.
The certification curriculum requirements build on existing evidence-based perinatal mental health certificate trainings, adding an advanced-training component.
Certified Grief Educator
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider
A Certified Grief Educator is committed to providing the highest level of grief support through education, experience, and insights into the often unacknowledged rocky terrain of grief.
Certified Grief Educators complete a certificate program designed by world-renowned grief expert, David Kessler. They bring his unique methodology, tools,
A Certified Grief Educator is committed to providing the highest level of grief support through education, experience, and insights into the often unacknowledged rocky terrain of grief.
Certified Grief Educators complete a certificate program designed by world-renowned grief expert, David Kessler. They bring his unique methodology, tools, and decades of experience to help people navigate the challenges of grief.
Therapeutic Services Provided
Individual Therapy
Group Therapy - Coming Soon
Individual Therapy
Highly personalized individual therapy offered. Clients are involved in the development of their clinical goals.
Couples Counseling
Group Therapy - Coming Soon
Individual Therapy
If life stressors are impacting your relationship with your partner, working with a clinician can help improve communication, attachment, and connection.
Group Therapy - Coming Soon
Group Therapy - Coming Soon
Group Therapy - Coming Soon
I am in the process of launching the following therapeutic support groups: Postpartum Support Group; Parenting Support Group for Parents of Children with Special Needs, and LGBTQIA Growing Families Support Group. Please contact me for more information on these groups.
Ready to book?
Group Therapy - Coming Soon
Group Therapy - Coming Soon
If you are interested in taking the next step and want to discuss your therapeutic needs, please feel free to contact me regarding a free 15-minute discovery call at (818) 579-5594. I am also available via e-mail at maria_fuenzalida@outlook.com
About Me
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider, and Certified Grief Educator based in the San Fernando Valley. My specialization lies in perinatal mental health, particularly in areas concerning family planning, pregnancy/childbirth, and parenting, as well as grief and loss therapy.
With over 15 years of professional experience, I have had the privilege of working with individuals and families across diverse settings, including community mental health, child welfare, school-based environments, and hospitals. Advocacy is a passion of mine, and I have fought for the extension of services for transitional age foster youth, as well as championed causes related to marriage equality and transgender rights.
My educational background includes a Master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on Child and Family Wellbeing from California State University-Long Beach, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from California State University-Los Angeles. While at CSULA, I also obtained a certificate in Child Maltreatment and Family Violence.
As a member of the National Association of Social Workers and Postpartum Support International, I am committed to staying informed and connected within my field. I have consistently served as a bilingual social worker throughout my career.
In my private practice, my mission is to foster resilience in my clients as they navigate life’s complexities. I rely on evidence-based practices, infused with empathy and humor, to support individuals and couples in their journey toward healing and growth. In addition to my clinical work, I also currently serve on the Board of Directors for Postpartum Support International’s CA Chapter.