
Lori Santa Maria, Counselor in Training (CIT)
Genuineness
I believe that genuine, authentic connection is the foundation of meaningful therapy. One of my greatest strengths as a counselor is creating a space where clients feel heard, valued, and supported. When we work together, clients will always have my full attention and true authentic self as we collaborate to develop personalized goals and a treatment plan that reflects each client's unique needs.
My style is caring, encouraging and direct meaning that I will have the honest conversations even when they may be difficult. I will always walk with my clients in their counseling journey meeting them where they are and guiding them to identify their strengths, develop effective coping strategies, and build the skills needed to promote healing, resilience, and personal growth.
As a counselor in training, I've learned to work through my own discomfort and staying genuine when hard conversations need to happen. This can be challenging but it doesn't mean that I won't continue to walk along side the client and work through the discomfort together. This can be very valuable and a growth experience for both the client and therapist.
As always, I value open, two-way communication and welcome client's feedback throughout the counseling process. Therapy is collaborative, and I want clients to feel comfortable sharing what is working, what isn't, and how I can best support them. I believe that when both counselor and client show up authentically, a strong therapeutic relationship develops—one that fosters trust, promotes healing, and helps clients achieve meaningful, lasting change.


CACREP common core area standards: 2.F.5.f; 2.F.2.h
ACA code of ethics standards: A.1.a; A.4.b.