Therapeutic Style: Maricelis is a Licensed Social Worker with a passion for assisting students as they navigate challenges that occur during all phases of life. Maricelis offers a very warm, supportive, empathetic space and strongly believes in the power of reminding students that they are the experts of their own life. She uses a psychodynamic approach with a social justice and anti-oppressive lens. Maricelis integrates Interpersonal Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Queer Theory into her work. Maricelis aims to work from a student-centered perspective, with the goal of working collaboratively with students around developing a unique and individualized treatment plan. Additionally, Maricelis utilizes a relational approach and practices the use of self in the clinical dynamic to help students feel empowered within their own life and therapeutic process.
Professional Interests: Maricelis identifies as a Latinx woman who emphasizes the importance of understanding the ways that intersecting identities impact our experiences in the world, including how they play a role in both treatment and the therapeutic relationship. She has experience doing work around identity formation, self-esteem, intergenerational/ancestral trauma, race-based stress, trauma, depression and anxiety. Maricelis is particularly passionate about serving Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) folx and members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community as well as Transgender and Gender Nonconforming (TGNC) individuals. As a Latinx and bi-lingual (English/Spanish) clinician, Maricelis is dedicated to serving marginalized communities as they explore the ways oppression and systematic racism exacerbate experiences of mental health and identity.
Group and Liaison Roles: Maricelis co-facilitates the Graduate BIPOC Process Group and is part of the Gender Health and Wellness Team.
Educational Background: As a first-generation college student, Maricelis received an advanced standing master’s degree in clinical social work from Smith College. During her undergraduate studies, she attended Central Connecticut State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in generalist social work practice. In addition to her educational and clinical background, Maricelis has experience working as a case manager for homeless youth.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers/Ella