About Maria Kourounis

About Me

Hi, I’m Maria Kourounis, and I am glad you’re here!

So many things in life are out of our control, but therapy is an opportunity to clarify our values and leverage our strengths so that we can change what we do have power over. As a psychotherapist, I believe in the idea that “even the smallest actions are steps in the right direction.” Working together in counseling, we can take steps both big and small to instill lasting, positive changes in your life.

My Background

“When you finally learn that a person’s behavior has more to do with their own internal struggle than you, you learn grace.” – Allison Aars

My path toward becoming a therapist began at a young age. As a child, I was deeply interested in mending relationships and helping those around me. Despite being exposed to trauma and dysfunction early on, I always focused my attention on the pain of others. I was deeply intuitive and picked up on very intense sensations, eventually leading to the realization that I am an empath.

Because people tend to feel comfortable around me, they are able to open up in more honest, meaningful ways. As I started to understand how my personal traits could be translated into a career, I knew I wanted to help people overcome their own pain and trauma through counseling. I am a therapist because I am genuinely invested in my clients’ healing journeys.

My Approach

“Remember that people: love to their level of self-love, communicate to their level of self-awareness, and behave to their level of healed trauma.” - Unknown

As an empath, I feel especially drawn to work that is in sync with my sensitivities. I absolutely love being in service to others and tapping into my creativity along the way. And when we’re in session together, my clients are the center of my universe.

All of my specialties stem from my own personal experiences, giving me unique insights into my clients’ struggles. Aside from my own battles with anxiety, trauma, and toxic relationship dynamics, I provide support to those navigating caregiving/parenting stress and significant life transitions. I am also one of few therapists specializing in emotional support for painful sex due to pelvic floor disorder, anxiety, fear, trauma, and other women’s sexual health issues.

Having experienced my own challenges in each of these areas, I relate to my clients on a deeper level. I understand what it’s like to juggle stress and responsibilities coming from all angles while also having to manage chronic issues like adenomyosis. These obstacles are not only emotionally and physically draining—they often profoundly impact our relationships and ability to connect.

The Modalities I Use

I take a psychodynamic, interpersonal, and strength-based approach to counseling, which means that I use the therapist-client relationship itself to help clients make progress. By better understanding their relational patterns and innate strengths, my clients can feel empowered to make positive changes in their lives.

I also know from firsthand experience that a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness is the key to developing a new, healthier mindset. I take a trauma-informed approach to CBT, which helps to slow down and adjust my clients’ emotional response, while mindfulness paves the way toward observing thoughts, feelings, and sensations nonjudgmentally. Because I often work with clients experiencing physical symptoms, I find that my holistic approach promotes healing on all levels.

Beyond my clinical training, I use intuition, empathy, and spirituality to guide my approach. I can see and feel more about my clients than the average psychotherapist, enhancing the therapeutic process. Working together in therapy—no matter what your struggles may be—I will help you recognize what’s going on in your body, understand your emotions, and reframe your challenges in an empowering way.

Outside Of The Therapy Space…

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my husband, three children (two of whom are grown), and two dogs. As a hockey mom, I enjoy watching my youngest son excel and have fun in the sport he loves. The joy I feel is immeasurable when he flashes his smile from the ice.

Exploring cultures through new foods and recipes is always fun for me. And given my own heritage, I am fluent in Greek.

“A Fresh Start Isn’t A New Place—It’s A New Mindset” - Unknown

If you are struggling with issues related to anxiety, trauma, toxic relationships, women’s sexual health, or parenting/caregiving stress, I bring a warm, personal, and holistic approach to therapy that can meaningfully address your symptoms. To schedule a free consultation and find out more, ​ ​contact me.