About Me

Maria Helena completed her pre-doctoral internship and postdoctoral residency in psychology with UC Davis SHCS, and is excited to continue her career as the CAN Counselor for the SRRC and USRC. She has experience working in community mental health and college counseling, including previous student support experience through residence life for seven years. She finds working on a college campus fulfilling, as she can support individuals, couples, and the wider campus community. Through a narrative lens, Maria Helena believes that each person is the expert of their life and they are never the “problem”; by following your lead, she hopes to support you in naming the problem, understand its effects, and seeking ways to minimize its impact on your life, while honoring how environmental and sociopolitical factors can exacerbate the problem. Coming from a collectivist and narrative lens, Maria Helena encourages students to “re-member” as well, naming those people in their lives who are important to them and they want as support. 
Maria Helena is a proud queer Colombian American from the Bay Area, and in her free time is an avid foodie always searching for the best brunch spots (with gluten free options). She loves competition reality tv, rubber duckies, and garden gnomes.

Identities that Represent Me

• Latinx
• LGBTQIA

Fun Facts

3 song recommendations? 

Tierra del Olvido- Carlos Vives, Dear Maria Count Me In- All Time Low, and De Vez en Cuando Viene Bien Dormir- Piero De Benedictis

What are your 3 favorite places to eat in Davis? 

Tres Hermanas, Mikuni, and Guads

How I Support Students in Therapy

I aim to create a warm, safe, and welcoming space where you feel comfortable being your authentic self. I believe you are the expert of your own experiences, and I’m here to collaborate with you as you work toward your goals.

My approach includes:

• A Narrative Therapy lens, where you are not the problem—the problem is the problem. Together, we’ll name it, explore its impact, and find ways to reduce its influence in your life.
• A focus on your values and strengths to guide meaningful change and insight.
• An understanding that systems, environments, and relationships can shape your experience—and we’ll take those into account.
• A flexible, client-centered approach that adapts to your needs and preferences.

Working with all students, with a special focus on:

• Latinx
• LGBTQIA+

Common concerns I help with:

• Anxiety and OCD
• Identity development
• Career and academic exploration
• Relationship and couples work
• Navigating change and uncertainty