Maria Pietruszka, CASAC-T + 1
Verified background check
Message from Maria
Maria was born in Poland and migrated to NYC at the age of 3. She was raised in Brooklyn and carries that as a badge of honor. Maria attended Hunter College where she graduated with a degree in Sociology. She then attended LIU Brooklyn and obtained her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling in 2017. During her time at LIU Brooklyn, she was the campus representative for the American Psychology Association Division 35 Society for the Psychology of Women. Maria was involved in hosting events that help spread awareness for feminist research, theory and education to understand and improve the lives of girls and women in all their diversities. This helped Maria develop her passion towards working with women and women’s issues. After graduation, Maria was hired as a full time substance abuse counselor at Outreach, where she completed her internship for graduate school. She worked with adults to help them reach their goals in recovery. Maria implemented harm reduction techniques to help promote a more inclusive and realistic approach for treating substance use disorders. She is determined to approach all her clients by meeting them where they are and empowering them to meet their treatment and therapy goals. After 3 years, Maria was promoted to Program Coordinator where she was responsible for running Restart Academy, a Department of Education alternative high school for students with substance use and behavioral issues and an after school program for outpatient services for adolescents. Maria enjoyed working and advocating for adolescents and young people. She guided them through different life transitions like: finishing high school, coping with peer pressure and preparing for the next chapters of their lives like college or full time employment. Maria also supervised new counselors and her approach was always to empower counselors and teach them listen to their “clinical gut”. Maria is driven by social justice and participated in movements for Black Lives Matter, women’s rights and animal rights. Her approaches in therapy display her commitment to provide an empathic, compassionate and judgement-free space where people from all walks of life can address their emotional issues, life transitions and meet their therapy goals. When she is not in session, Maria teaches as an adjunct lecturer at Hunger College. She teaches courses like Drugs and Society and the Sociology of Mental Health. In her free time, Maria loves to re-watch “The Office”, spend time with her two cats Rajah and Stella and try new vegan recipes.
About Maria's practice
Weekdays 9am - 5pm
Weekdays After 5pm
$$
Directive
Reflective
In-person available: Yes
Virtual available: Yes
Sexual Identity
Procrastination
Anxiety
Depression
Self-Esteem
Mood
Fidelis
Cigna
NY
Why state matters
Get to Know Maria
"Maria is a highly skilled practitioner, who provides clients with a safe space for growth and change. Her curiosity creates an approach that is ever-evolving and uniquely thought-provoking, allowing for clients and colleagues alike to grow in her presence. "
Ms. Cristina Shea, LMSW, Colleague
"Maria excels at helping individuals feel supported and cared for. She is a highly skilled clinician, with a natural openness and strong solution-focused approaches."
Mx. Kate Jamison, Clinical Intern, Colleague
"Maria is a very inclusive therapist that I would highly recommend! She has vast experience in addiction and always comes at things from a perspective of putting her client's goals first. I immediately felt heard, respected and comfortable."
KP, Client
"Maria was professional, prompt, knowledgeable, and informative to help me work through some of my difficulties. I liked that she was able to challenge me while also being kind. I will continue to be working with her. I haven't found many therapists similar to her style!!"
JR, Client
"Maria is a fiercely passionate and dedicated therapist who works collaboratively with children, adults families. Her warmth, openness and attentive listening skills make her a great provider for those seeking to meet their therapeutic goals. "
Artur Lebiedzinski, MHC-LP, Colleague
"Maria is a highly experienced therapist in many different areas. She is skilled at providing a warm and safe space for clients while simultaneously challenging clients to grow and flourish."
Rachel Moses, Colleague
"Maria is a fierce clinician. Offering a supportive and challenging environment she remains relatable. As a therapist she listens to her client’s needs, developing a trusting relationship in order to reach her client’s emotional goals."
Brian Molloy-Clinical Intern, Colleague
"Maria is an incredibly skilled, thoughtful, and warm therapist committed to providing a nonjudgmental space for her clients to evolve. Her openness allows for her clients to feel supported toward their growth as they encounter challenges in their lives. "
Lisa Piccininni – MHC Clinical Intern , Colleague
"Maria is highly experienced therapist who works with diverse populations. She is able to create a nonjudgemental space for her clients to explore concerns and achieve their goals in therapy. "
Jill Mooney, MHC Clinical Intern , Colleague
"Maria brings in warmth, humor, and curiosity to her work. She helps to demystify concerns and challenges so a person can develop understanding and awareness to navigate their problems while feeling a sense of trust in oneself."
Margaret Rau, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MSW, Colleague
"Maria is a wise, empathic, and highly skilled provider. She is a passionate ally and advocate to her clients, and works exceptionally well with both individuals and couples to promote their mental health and overall empowerment."
Banks Clippinger, Colleague
"Maria is a vastly knowledgeable clinician and is highly skilled at supporting clients experiencing various life challenges. She also has a warm and empathetic demeanor and is a joy to work with."
Miri Kassow - LMSW, Colleague
"Maria is highly skilled and knowledgeable in areas of substance abuse, women’s health, sexuality, and more. She supports and challenges her clients while building a trusting therapeutic relationship. "
Blair Luedke, Colleague
"Maria is an amazing skillful provider. She has expertise in a long range of specialties. Her humor and transparency create an environment that is welcoming but also so productive. "
Mr. David Diaz, Colleague
"Maria is supportive, relatable, and meets a client where they're at to provide the best care. She will challenge you and offer a judgment free zone! "
Ms. Greiny Rodriguez, Colleague
"Maria is an incredibly knowledgeable therapist working with diverse populations. She specializes in working with addiction, trauma, life transitions, behavioral issues, and ambivalence towards change. "
Mr. Kyle William McEvoy, Colleague
"Maria is a compassionate therapist dedicated to providing a nonjudgmental and empathic space for individuals from diverse backgrounds, with a commitment to social justice."
David Stahler, Colleague
"Maria is an exceptional therapist whose remarkable skills, thoughtfulness, and warmth make her a true asset to those seeking support. Committed to creating a nonjudgmental space, Maria fosters an environment where clients can evolve and grow."
Amanda Fogel - Clinical Intern, Colleague
From your perspective, what is therapy?
My perspective is that therapy is a tool that can be used in many ways. It can serve as a way to process difficult emotions, break unhealthy patterns or explore any negative life experience or it can just a space to handle every stressors and life transitions. It is just as important as physical health. Therapy can be a place for self-discovery, empowerment and developing to your fullest potential.
How do you approach diversity in the room or working with clients who may come from a different background than you?
My rule of thumb is to ask questions, never assume but also do a lot of work outside of the sessions. I do not expect my clients to teach me about their culture, background, ethnicity etc. but I will ask appropriate questions that can help strengthen my understanding of their experience and our therapeutic alliance. My goal is to create a safe space for any client.
Do you assign homework, activities, or readings for me to do between sessions? Why or why not?
I do assign "homework". I believe it is really important for clients to "do work" outside of sessions. This allows for processing thoughts and reflecting on sessions. The "homework" may look different every time but it is a great tool for me to also understand my clients better.