Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Inoa.
Hi Maria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my practice in 2018 after spending years working for community agencies and group practices. I became interested in focusing on trauma work as a result of interviews I conducted with mothers of children who had been removed from their homes due to neglect or abuse. I saw a huge pattern of unresolved childhood trauma in those mothers resulting in so many negative consequences as they entered adulthood, especially illicit substance abuse. It seemed fixable. That there are resources and therapies available to help people heal from bad events in their life. These women were not getting connected to the right resources to resolve their trauma.
From there I learned about and became interested in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy) as it is know for resolving trauma and many other issues. I took the training and then began the process of becoming certified in it, which I have been for a couple of years now.
In my practice, I work with women only. I chose to specialize in trauma work with women only because of the unique emotional, relational, and societal experiences women typically face. I love providing a safe space where women can freely explore their emotions, patterns, and stories especially when they often come from places where their feelings weren’t validated or heard growing up. It’s always an honor to come alongside my clients to support them in rediscovering their worth and healing the wounds that have kept them small.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think getting my name out there has been the biggest struggle. There’s a ton of therapists around, but I believe I do really good work. Also, being a mom to 2 kiddos means work hours are limited at times. There’s always been some level of having to juggle things.
As you know, we’re big fans of Full Potential Counseling. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I offer one-on-one therapy to adult women. I specialize in anxiety and trauma primarily but do work with women on a variety of issues. I am certified in EMDR therapy and also trained in Ego State Therapy, which is referred to as inner child healing or parts work. I really enjoy focusing on a more somatic approach to healing. As someone who has struggled with anxiety since I was a child, I understand it intimately.
I am proud of myself for starting my own practice, enduring the ups and downs that small businesses experience, and for always putting my clients first, providing the best care I can for them. They deserve the best.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I often get calls from women who have been to therapy for years and have only tried “talk therapy”. I love being able to teach them about EMDR and parts work as a deeper means of healing. Talk therapy has a time and place but often people need a deeper resolution to their past issues. Being able to talk about your trauma is a huge first step but then the deeper healing approaches are needed to help you resolve what you’ve experienced.
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