Hi, I'm Maria, and I'm really glad you're here today. Taking the step to begin therapy can feel vulnerable, and I appreciate you trusting me with your time and your story. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, supported, and understood. I believe that each person's experiences are unique, and I approach therapy with curiosity, compassion, and respect for the challenges you may be facing. Much of my work focuses on women's health and the emotional impact of chronic illness. Living with ongoing health concerns can affect every part of life—your relationships, identity, work, sense of control, and overall well-being. Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis, managing symptoms that others may not fully understand, coping with reproductive health concerns, or adjusting to the realities of a chronic condition, therapy can provide a place to process those experiences and find ways to move forward with greater self-compassion and resilience. Therapy is a collaborative process. We will work together to understand what's bringing you in, identify what feels most important to you, and develop goals that align with your values and needs. There is no pressure to share everything at once—we can go at a pace that feels comfortable and supportive for you. Before we begin, I'll review confidentiality and answer any questions you may have about the therapy process. Then I'd love to hear more about you and what brought you here today. Thank you for being here. Whenever you're ready, I'm here to listen.