Online in California, Florida
(Online Only)
I believe healing begins when you feel truly seen, heard, and accepted without judgment. My goal is to create a space where you can slow down, explore your experiences with honesty, and build the confidence to move forward in a way that feels authentic to you.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Holding Space Therapy, I understand that reaching out for therapy can feel vulnerable. Whether you're living with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, burnout, grief, or the effects of chronic stress, you don't have to navigate it alone. I strive to meet each client with compassion, curiosity, and respect, recognizing that every person's story is unique.
My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in evidence-based practices, including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Together, we'll work to understand the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, process difficult experiences, develop practical coping strategies, and build a stronger connection with yourself and the life you want to create.
I have extensive experience supporting adults from diverse backgrounds, including first responders and their families, healthcare professionals, LGBTQ+ individuals, and members of BIPOC and Latino communities. I am committed to providing culturally responsive, affirming care where your identity, values, and lived experiences are respected and honored.
Healing isn't about becoming someone different—it's about reconnecting with the strengths that have always been within you. My hope is that therapy becomes a place where you feel supported, challenged when appropriate, and empowered to create meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels safe and sustainable.
Client Focus
Session Format: Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Senior, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Hispanic / Latino, LGBTQ+, Military / Veterans, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) An evidence-based treatment for PTSD that teaches clients to reframe unhelpful thoughts about trauma. It helps reduce guilt, shame, and fear.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories. It is widely recognized for treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) A short-term approach focused on improving relationships and social support. It is often used for depression and grief.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Combines mindfulness practices with CBT to prevent depression relapse. It helps people notice thoughts without judgment and respond more calmly.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) A collaborative, client-centered approach that strengthens motivation for change. It is especially effective for addictions and health behaviors.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
Approach Description: At Holding Space Therapy, we believe that meaningful change happens through a collaborative, trusting therapeutic relationship. Our approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and tailored to your unique experiences, goals, and strengths. We recognize that every person's journey is different, so treatment is never one-size-fits-all.
We integrate evidence-based therapies—including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and strengths-based interventions—to help you better understand your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and nervous system. Together, we'll identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, process difficult experiences, develop practical coping skills, and build resilience for lasting change.
Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, burnout, relationship challenges, or life transitions, therapy is designed to help you move beyond symptom management and create meaningful, sustainable healing. Sessions focus on increasing self-awareness, improving emotional regulation, strengthening relationships, and fostering greater confidence and self-compassion.
We are committed to providing culturally responsive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and inclusive care where your identity, values, and lived experiences are respected. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel empowered to explore your experiences, reconnect with your strengths, and build a life that aligns with your values.
Healing isn't about becoming someone else—it's about rediscovering yourself with greater clarity, resilience, and hope. Wherever you are in your journey, we'll work together at a pace that feels safe, supportive, and sustainable.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee 175
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- At Holding Space Therapy, we believe that quality mental health care should be as accessible as possible. We understand that the cost of therapy can be a concern, and we're committed to helping clients find options that support both their emotional well-being and financial circumstances. A limited number of reduced-fee and sliding scale appointments may be available based on financial need and current availability. Sliding scale fees are determined on an individual basis and are intended to help make therapy more accessible for those experiencing financial hardship. If you're interested in learning whether you qualify for a reduced-fee appointment, we encourage you to reach out to discuss your situation. We'll review your needs, answer your questions, and explore available options together. Seeking support is an investment in your mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Our goal is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care in a way that is respectful, transparent, and as accessible as possible.
- Accepts Insurance
- Aetna. United Healthcare. Optum
Education & Credentials
Mary Gonzalez LCSW
- Female
- License # 133181
- Licensed in California
- Practicing Since 2020
Education: I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University, Fullerton. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I have completed advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), hold a DBT Certification, and have specialized training in CBT.
Mary Gonzalez Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of California, Florida
- Online Therapy Details: Secure HIPPA compliant platform
Holding Space Therapy is a trauma-informed telehealth private practice providing compassionate, evidence-based therapy for adults throughout California and Florida. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, burnout, life transitions, and the emotional challenges that can arise from high-stress careers and difficult life experiences.
Our approach is rooted in creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. We recognize that healing is not one-size-fits-all, which is why treatment is tailored to each individual's unique goals, strengths, and lived experiences.
Using evidence-based therapies—including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed interventions—we help clients process unresolved experiences, strengthen emotional resilience, develop healthier coping strategies, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Holding Space Therapy has extensive experience supporting first responders, healthcare professionals, and other individuals working in high-stress professions, as well as their family members. We also proudly provide LGBTQ+ affirming, culturally responsive care and welcome clients from diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC and Latino communities.
All therapy services are provided through secure, confidential telehealth sessions, making it easier to access high-quality mental health care from the comfort and privacy of your home. Whether you're seeking support for recent life challenges or long-standing emotional wounds, Holding Space Therapy is committed to helping you heal, grow, and move forward with greater confidence, clarity, and hope.