Maria Cardenas

LCSW
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I profoundly believe that individuals and families have innate strengths and resilient factors and feel that connecting with others at a basic human level is equally important as the therapeutic strategies that guide my work. I’m very interested in listening to other people’s stories; joys and struggles and feel this facilitates the interconnection in the collective human experience. Being an immigrant has fostered a deep sense of responsibility and passion for working with underserved populations and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to witness other people’s journey of healing and empowerment.

Some of the therapeutic modalities and approaches that guide my practice are trauma-informed, person-centered, strength based, EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing.

My educational background includes receiving a Master of Social Work degree from Portland State University with a focus on clinical social work and integrated care and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Portland State University.