Maria Rader, LICSW, MEd, is a therapist specializing in perinatal mental health with decades of experience supporting women and families in a variety of capacities. Her clinical work has included individual psychotherapy, groups, hospital-based perinatal social work, and experience with pregnant and parenting moms struggling with addiction, perinatal teens, and DCF-involved families. Leading up to her clinical training, Maria supported families as a certified birth doula and childbirth educator in both hospital and home-based settings. Earlier in her career, Maria worked as an educator in early childhood and elementary school settings.
Maria utilizes a strengths-based perspective, and engages with clients collaboratively, understanding that the individual is the expert on him/her/themselves. With a social justice framework defining her work, Maria considers the intersectionality of race, class, gender and other societal and cultural influencers in her clients’ narratives. Maria also engages parents seeking to strengthen secure attachment in their family systems while increasing reflective capacity. In her trauma-informed approach, Maria uses CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Circle of Security, Mindfulness, and EMDR to best support clients’ wellness journey.