Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) in Texas, specializing in couples therapy, relationship counseling, and trauma treatment for adults. I have experience working with children, teens, adults, couples, and the broader community, and my current clinical focus is on adults and couples seeking meaningful, lasting change in their relationships.

My practice is grounded in the research of the Gottman Institute, using the Gottman Method Couples Therapy to help partners improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional connection. As a Certified Gottman Therapist, I maintain a high level of proficiency and fidelity to this evidence-based model. I have pursued advanced training across the country, including in Houston, Austin, New York, and Seattle, to ensure I bring the most effective tools to my clients.

In addition to couples work, I incorporate the Gottman Institute’s research on emotionally intelligent parenting, using an Emotion Coaching approach to support families. My background as an educator, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and parent allows me to guide parents in fostering emotional awareness, connection, and healthy development in their children. I bring nearly 20 years of combined professional and personal experience in parenting, education, and child development.

I am also an EMDR Certified Therapist, utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a research-based and evidence-supported approach, to help clients process and heal from trauma. EMDR allows individuals to resolve past experiences that continue to impact their present relationships, emotional well-being, and sense of self.

My goal is to provide a structured, research-informed, and compassionate space where clients can develop insight, build skills, and create lasting change in their lives and relationships.

Professional Background

• Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor
• Registered Play Therapist^TM Supervisor
• Certified Gottman Therapist
• EMDR Certified Therapist
• EMDR Consultant In Training
• Humanistic SandTray Therapist
• Gottman Leader- Gottman Seven Principles Program

Educational Background

• Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling 2003 University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration-Marketing 1996 University of Texas San Antonio
• High School Counselor 2005-08
• Elementary School Teacher 2000-05

Professional Associations

• United States Play Therapy Association Member
• National Board of Certified Counselors Member (NBCC)
• EMDR International Association Member

Other Activities

• Maribel has presented at: Play Therapy Trainings and Conferences, The Pregnancy Prevention Coalition in South Texas, The Head Start Program, Parent Meetings, Teacher Trainings, Church Presentation focusing on marriage. She has been interviewed by Univision, Telemundo about depression and children mental health
• Featured in Canvas Rebel Magazine and on Dallas Voyage Magazine

I grew up in Mexico until the age of 14 years old my family moved to the US and settled in Washington State. I learned English in one year as I was eager to connect with classmates, and teammates in my soccer team. Then at age 17 my family relocated to South Texas, where I continued my education and built my family. Eventually, in 2015 I relocated with my children to North Texas, and we love this community, full of cultural diversity, business, and educational opportunities.

I love life, reading, researching, taking walks, spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy quiet introspection. My husband is my person and we love going to museums, traveling, training our hunting dogs, and discovering new activities. We share a busy “blended-family” life with our 5 children and pets!