Offering In Person and Telehealth Sessions! Now offering collaboration and in-school services for Navarre Montessori Academy students!
MS, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Maria Dillard
Specialties: Adolescents, Trauma, Military, ADHD
Hi, my name is Maria. My journey to becoming a mental health counselor began in my teenage years when I realized the critical need for compassionate mental health professionals while working with various therapists. I earned my Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, and later enlisted in the Air Force. Witnessing the stigma surrounding mental health care in the military reignited my passion for supporting military members, their families, and civilians. After my service, I pursued a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Troy University in Pensacola.
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I am trained and experienced in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Managing Emotional States Effectively (MESE), Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) play-informed therapy, art-informed therapy, and I have completed level 1 of the Gottman Method. I find great joy in helping people on their journeys to growth and healing. Each session is a unique opportunity to connect, understand, and support individuals in reaching their personal goals, fostering a path toward a brighter and more fulfilling future.
TESTIMONIALS
Current Client: I have been bringing my teenage daughter to Maria for almost a year now and I cannot say anything negative about her! She is always on time, seems to have a great understanding of my daughter, and she seems to be helping my daughter with “life experiences” quite a bit! Maria even gave me/us her number to be able to text her, in case we need anything during the times we are not in the office. We really love the atmosphere of Charis Counseling and their staff!
Current Client: Maria has been an amazing counselor to my daughter who had ADHD and struggles with inattention and emotional regulation. My daughter has learned to express her emotions in a positive way and can express her emotions through her words. My daughter also suffers from anxiety and Maria has helped her work through some of her fears and teach her self love. We are so thankful for Maria and the service she provides.