Family Therapy in Newport Beach, CA

Currently accepting new clients in-person and virtually. Navigating major life changes and challenges, managing anxiety or depression, healing trauma, grieving a loss or are just overwhelmed with where you are in life right now- I can help. Most people don't want therapy, they want more calm, better relationships, better communication with the people they love and some solid tools to make it all easier. Is this you? If so, let's 1.) jump on a free consultation call to learn more and see if we are a good fit 2.) get started and 3.) get you back on track to the life you want to live.

This may not be an easy time in your life and I respect your courage to reach out for help. Hiding fear of failure or family pressure to be perfect and make it look effortless is a daily struggle. I know you can be overwhelmed. Frustrated and angry. I have lived it and have decades of experience. After facing the pressure from parents, peers, or yourself, you need a place to sort out who you are and how you fit into these pieces. You may be looking for a safe place to work through your challenges, such as when you are experiencing anxiety or depression, or even a unique cultural experience that you feel nobody understands.

A compassionate, exceptionally skilled and caring psychologist with over 20 years of experience. I am focused on helping you deal with life's challenges. I work with clients seeking to improve their lives and assist them in healing from current and past trauma and stress, finding better tools to address problems, and improve your overall life satisfaction. An expert in the field of trauma and dissociative disorders including sexual trauma & abuse, traumatic accident or injury, difficult or abusive relationships, divorce and parent-child issues. I am an engaging therapist who listens, provides useful input, and meets you where you are.

Are you an adult that finds yourself unfulfilled? Do past experiences continue to play a role in your present day life; old relationships, family dynamics, behavior patterns and emotional reactions continue to hold you back from reaching your full potential? Or maybe you are parent that is trying to navigate raising children in this ever evolving society. If you are motivated for change and need guidance in navigating goal achievement, overcoming depression or anxiety, healing from PTSD and need a safe place to heal and explore, seek no further.

Many of us face crossroads in our lives, such as transitional times with family, friends and / or work in which we are struggling to cope. It may be yourself or a family member trying to come to terms with life challenges. You may find yourself stuck and don’t feel you can handle normal routine. Anxiety and/or depression may be a little too much, leaving questions of where to turn and with whom to share. I am here help you gain control and return to / or create your best self.

Are you feeling frustrated & misunderstood in your relationships? Do relationships seem more complicated & overwhelming? Life is just so busy, you can barely keep up. These experiences can lead to feeling unsatisfied, exhausted, helpless, and alone. Uncomfortable & painful emotions can be a result of changes in your life, relationship or family conflict, social struggles, feeling unheard, or feeling overwhelmed by the world around you. You may be tired of living your life on autopilot, & have reached a point where you're ready to see changes happen. I can help you move towards living your life in a more fulfilling & satisfying way!

Family in crisis? Everyone in the family is impacted by the stressful environment when children refuse to follow directions and develop behaviors such as verbal aggression (disrespectful communication, degrading comments, verbally threaten others), emotional outbursts (yelling, temper tantrums), physical aggression toward self (i.e., cutting and/or burning self) or others (pushing and/or hitting others, destroying property), suicidal ideation (threat to self) and/or homicidal ideation (threat to others), and/or running away (AWOL). As a result of feelings of sadness and anger, children and parents often engage in power struggles.

We are a small, specialty practice and the mental health professionals here are dedicated, talented psychologists whose work is much more than "a job." We care and we get involved. Our team is depth-oriented and holistic in our approach and we target the root issues of problems. We see a limited number of people and those who enter are cared for like family. Psychotherapy is our passion, craft, and life’s work. We look forward to getting to know you, understanding your unique challenges and meeting you exactly where you are at this time, on this day.

Hello, I'm Dr. Maria Darcy, Licensed Psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist. I have recently relocated my practice to Newport Beach and Irvine California. I have worked with individuals and couples in the United States and Europe for the past 15+ years. My therapeutic approach is integrative with a strong emphasis on relational factors. Ultimately I tailor my approach to each individual client and their situation. I incorporate a multicultural understanding into my approach by paying attention to social and cultural factors (e.g., gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation etc.) that impact individuals' experiences and their choices.

Are you struggling to navigate the educational system to get help for learning or behavioral challenges? I am here to help support parents and students, making the pathway to success for your particular situation more clear and manageable. I specialize in assessment and intervention planning for a range of pediatric disorders that affect learning and behavior. I take care to make the entire consultation or assessment process feel positive, understandable and helpful. I provide School Neuropsychological assessments, Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans, and consultation around educational and behavior issues at school or at home.

You’re nervous, worried and feel like you’re living in the past. It feels like it is haunting you. Relationships feel scary because of how you’ve been hurt or let down by people in your life. You know you are ready for the next chapter but you just aren’t sure how to get there or move on. Feelings of overwhelm, being “stuck” and anxiety are feelings that you have come to know too well. You remember a time when you didn’t feel this way, but that was before “that” happened. While it is hard to imagine now, I want you to know there is a reality where you can move on from past hurt and thrive.

I work with relational issues. Whether it's a relationship with a loved one, a romantic partner or a relationship with your self. I'm here to help.

Do feelings always feel intense and raw? Do these feelings take over and get in the way of your relationship or closeness with others? These are patterns that scream a need to survive and to protect. I am here to help you appreciate the way your body has tried to keep you safe while also learning how and why it shows up, whether it be in or out of the bedroom. I help clients struggling with: low self-esteem, anger, sexual shame, trauma-responses (flashbacks, nightmares, hyper-awareness), and difficulty feeling heard with partners or family. We will identify your needs and what barriers make it feel too vulnerable to get them met.

If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, marital or relationship issues, it is important to find a therapist with whom you feel safe and comfortable....a good fit for you. I have been in practice for over 20 years and my approach is to get to the problem, find the solution, and work collaboratively toward these goals. I welcome feedback, positive and negative!

Are you feeling stressed or out of control of your child's behavior? Are the good days getting fewer and far between? As the Assistant Director of the PCIT Institute, I specialize in treating families with children 2-8 with difficulties such as: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Autism Spectrum disorders, anxiety and difficult divorce reactions utilizing Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). By giving equal attention to the parent-child relationship and to parents' behavior management skills, I collaborate with families to enhance parent-child interactions, improve behavior, and empower parents to use consistent, predictable, effective parenting strategies that work.

BA in Business Communications, Chapman University, Orange, CA. MA Degree in Clinical Art Therapy, Long Island University, NY. Board Certified Clinical Art Therapist. Academy of Art, San Francisco, CA. MA & Doctorate Degree (PsyD) in MFT, California School of Professional Psychology, Irvine, CA. Strong lifetime passion for therapeutic Arts & a passionate advocate for Art Therapy awareness. Artist with frequent OC gallery showings. Creating art daily since childhood. Extensive experience & knowledge in Art Therapy, Psychology & Business for over 16 years enjoying working with youth, families, & groups, with various populations & settings. Frienly, kind, upbeat, positive, patient & caring. Frequent volunteer for various populations & organizations in OC & mentor to Youth.

As an experienced Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), in Newport Beach, CA with over 10+ years of diverse background in outpatient, crisis counseling, and Therapeutic-Day Treatment, I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges and create meaningful change. My passion is to work with young adult women in various stages of life facing Life transition issues, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, grief, school & work burnout, and conflicts within relationships.

Struggling with addiction and feel rehab isn’t an option? Leaving your family, job, school and responsibilities for an extended period of time is not always needed to get yourself healthy and on track. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, I know the challenges of this lifestyle. Being caught in the cycle of addiction is hard--feelings of anxiety, guilt, and shame. You may have tried stopping on your own, only to find yourself engaging in the same unhelpful behavior. I have experienced this firsthand and know there are ways to escape the slavery to addiction. I specialize in moderation & abstinence based approaches.

I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Marriage Family Therapist in private practice for over 30 years. I work effectively and compassionately with adults of all ages, helping individuals, couples and families heal and grow. My goal is to help people develop into their full potential as rapidly as possible, overcoming problematic symptoms, behaviors, relationship issues and other obstacles interfering with their ability to live healthy, happy, meaningful lives. My advanced training in cutting edge treatment approaches enables me to efficiently identify and resolve core issues allowing for deep, lasting transformation.