"What we don't need in the midst of struggle
is shame for being HUMAN."
- Brené Brown
WORKING TOGETHER
01
COUPLES THERAPY
02
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
Many couples at some point find themselves looking at one another and wondering, "how did we get here??". All attempts at connecting meaningfully with one another seem to be unsuccessful and they keep getting stuck in a pattern of communication that leaves them both feeling unheard and invalidated. This can be brought on by a number of reasons but I believe a remedy can always be found when couples can be a safe place for one another again. Using Emotionally Focused Therapy, my goal is to create an environment were the emotional needs behind those more harsh reactions can be identified and where I can work collaboratively with couples to find new solutions to bringing a sense of love and belonging back into the relationship.
STATEMENT OF INCLUSIVITY
Culture and society typically have adopted a "life's tough, get a helmet" mentality when it comes to weathering the stresses and painful trials of life. Showing our emotional reaction to distress is often seen as weak, dramatic, or even childish. The unfortunate part about this, even if we're not aware of it, is that it leaves us with unresolved hurts and emotions that tend to follow us around or come out sideways. I believe that true healing and growth always starts with being honest about where we are in the first place. Using an attachment based therapy model, my goal is to create a sanctuary for your soul where you feel honored in what ever emotional, mental, and spiritual landscape you may find yourself in. We use this as the foundation for helping you create change in areas you might be feeling stuck.
As a therapist, it is my responsibility to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients by being aware, respectful and appreciative of their value as a human. This includes all parts of their identity - their sexual orientation, relationship structure, gender identity and expression, race and ethnicity, spiritual beliefs and experiences, etc. I do not assume to be an expert in your experience but instead work to empower and encourage you to find insight, self compassion, healing and growth, whatever that might look like for you.
LGBTQ+ Safe Space
ABOUT ME
I grew up in a very creative home which had a hand in inspiring my degree in Art History from SDSU. However, after graduating, I realized that a career in the art world was not relational enough for me. After seeing a Spiritual Director and experiencing the acceptance, understanding and empathy that comes from a therapeutic relationship, I realized that what really brings me fulfillment is the ability to offer those things to others. I attended Bethel Seminary, receiving a Masters in Marital and Family Therapy, so that I could gain the skills and knowledge to have a tangible, positive impact on the lives of others. In therapy, my heart is to create an inviting space where my clients feel safe and affirmed in being where they are and exploring together the possibilities for growth and healing.
In practice, come from an Emotionally Focused Therapy perspective. I believe that all people have an innate the need for emotional safety. I am passionate about working with clients to help them understand their emotional needs for closeness and connection, how unmet needs cause disconnection, and how more helpful ways of relating are possible. My hope for all my clients is that they would experience healing and gain new insight, and I believe this starts with feeling the safety and freedom to explore what is really going on inside. My job as a therapist is to be curious, to create a judgement-free space for the fullness of your inner self to land and to offer support on your growth path.
On a personal note, I live in San Diego with my husband and two small kids, and I love:
long conversations over coffee // yoga // home design
non-fiction memoirs // camping & travel // iced dirty chai w/ oat milk
cooking // crochet // homemade pasta & pizza
heartstopper // gardening // sewing // enneagram 2w1
Looking forward to hearing how I can support you on your journey!
MAMFT - Bethel Seminary 2015
Therapist Trainee - San Diego Rescue Mission (2014 - 2015)
Associate MFT - Supervised by Kathryn de Bruin (2015-2020)
CAMFT Member since 2015
Working towards EFT Certification, supervised by Alair Olson, LMFT
CONTACT INFO
OFFICE HOURS
Tel: 619 - 940 - 4083
Email: therapy@mariahmcqueen.com
Monday: 11 - 6
Tuesday: 9 - 1
Thursday: 9 - 1
Offering both masked in-person sessions
& HIPAA compliant online sessions
MY PRACTICE
LOCATION
3033 5th Ave. Suite 235
San Diego, Ca 92103