Hi, I’m Maria

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Welcome! At Willow & Sage Therapy Collective, I wear a few hats—as an owner, co-clinical director, and psychotherapist. I specialize in supporting women and girls navigate life’s most tender and transformative moments. My clients often come to therapy struggling with anxiety or depression, feeling stuck in patterns of people-pleasing, or weighed down by the belief that they’re not lovable or enough. Relationship challenges, unresolved trauma, abandonment wounds, grief, or family conflict are also common threads we may gently untangle together. In our sessions, we’ll slow down, make sense of what’s been heavy, and create space for a version of life that feels most true to you.

In addition to my clinical training, I have specialized knowledge in trauma recovery, sexual abuse, and reproductive mental health—including (in)fertility, third-party family planning, postpartum challenges, and the emotional shifts that come with perimenopause and menopause. My therapy approach blends evidence-based practices with creativity, intuition, and a touch of humor when it fits. Most importantly, therapy will always be shaped around you—your needs, preferences, and goals—so you can feel grounded, supported, and deeply empowered.

Alongside my work as a therapist, I mentor and train clinicians in the nuanced treatment of complex trauma and sexual assault, helping ensure their clients feel truly seen, heard, and held with care.

**I am in network with the following insurance plans: Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross California, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Blue Shield of California, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania, Magellan, Oxford (Optum), Quest Behavioral Health, United Healthcare (Optum), United Healthcare Medicare Advantage

“When a great ship is in harbor and moored, it is safe, there can be no doubt. But that is not what great ships are built for.”

— Clarissa Pinkola Estés

  • Counseling

    Willow & Sage Therapy Collective delivers virtual therapy to kids, teens, adults, couples, and families who want to transform their lives and relationships. We’ll start with a free 20-minute consultation where we’ll discuss what brings you in to therapy and how we can help.

  • Supervision

    Our clinical supervision is designed for associates who seek to deepen their personal and professional development in a nurturing environment. Our community is all about women coming together, supporting one another, and building genuine friendships along the way.

  • Consultation

    We offer customized clinical consultations (group and individual) on trauma-informed care for a diverse range of service providers within the mental health sector and beyond. We’re committed to cultivating an environment of awareness and healing that benefits everyone.

  • Trainings

    For professionals: Explore specialized training that delves into trauma and recovery. Whether you want to learn the foundations of effectively treating trauma or expand your seasoned toolkit, these classes offer valuable insights and practical tools for you and your clients.

CONTACT
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Maria’s Therapy at a Glance

  • Maria Denardo, M.A., LMFT 135016
    CA Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

  • EDUCATION & TRAINING

    • Denison University: BS Psychology

    • Antioch University-Los Angeles: MA Clinical Psychology, Trauma Studies

    • Clinical Training: Southern California Counseling Center, Family Service Agency of Burbank, & SRD Straightening Reigns

    ADDITIONAL TRAINING
    *Please note that I am continually practicing, learning, and gaining certifications so this list is not exhaustive.

    • Certified Mental Health Specialist for Infertility, Reproductive Loss, Third-Party Reproduction, & Family Building (American Society for Reproductive Medicine)

    • Trauma-Focused CBT Certification (The Medical University of Southern Carolina)

    • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for Traumatized Children Certification (University of California, Davis CAARE Center)

    • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Certification (Elana Rosenbaum, MS, LICSW - former student of Jon Kabat-Zinn)

    • Psychological First Aid Certification (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)

    • Trauma Resiliency Model Certification (Trauma Resource Institute)

    • Community Resiliency Model (Trauma Resource Institute)

    • Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Certification (EAGALA)

    PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

    • Licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences

    • California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists

    • American Society for Reproductive Medicine

    • ASRM Mental Health Professional Group (MHPG)

  • THERAPEUTIC SPECIALTIES

    • Trauma Support

    • Sexual Assault

    • Infertility, Pregnancy Loss, & Reproductive Trauma

    • Perimenopause / Menopause

    OTHER TREATMENT SERVICES

    • Anxiety

    • Depression

    • Relationship Struggles

    • Stress Management

    • Self-Esteem

    • Personal Growth

    • Building Intuition

    • Grief & Loss

    • Family Conflict

    • Domestic Violence

    • Spiritual Exploration

    • Co-Dependency

    • Shame Reduction

    • Life Transitions

    • Pregnancy, Postpartum

    • Third-Party Family Planning

    • Individual Therapy (50 mins): $200 for each session

    • Family Therapy (50 mins): $225 per session

    Maria accepts the following insurance plans:

    • Aetna

    • Anthem Blue Cross California

    • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

    • Blue Shield of California

    • Carelon Behavioral Health

    • Cigna

    • Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey

    • Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania

    • Magellan

    • Oxford (Optum)

    • Quest Behavioral Health

    • United Healthcare (Optum)

    • United Healthcare Medicare Advantage

    Reduced fee rates are available on a limited bases for those who financially qualify. Please inquire for more information.

  • I offer the following approaches to therapy:

    • Narrative

    • Gestalt

    • Cognitive-Behavioral

    • Family Systems

    • Mindfulness-Based

    • Somatic

    • Play Therapy

    • Relational

    • Art Therapy

    • Existential

    • Attachment-Based

Let’s Connect

Your 20-minute consultation is free.

CONTACT