Maria Alderman

Empathy-driven therapy with practical tools

LMSW Michigan

Experience: 6 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Maria

Maria Alderman, LMSW, offers compassionate, personalized care for people facing stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship and intimacy concerns, mood disorders such as depression and bipolar, and a range of life challenges including addictions, parenting stresses, and ADHD.

Background and approach

She approaches each person with sensitivity and respect, shaping conversations and treatment plans to fit individual needs rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions. Drawing on six years of clinical experience in Michigan, Maria uses evidence-informed methods to help clients build practical coping skills and clearer perspectives.

Her work blends cognitive behavioral ideas for addressing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors with acceptance-based strategies that encourage values-driven change. She also incorporates client-centered listening and motivational techniques to support readiness for change, alongside psychodynamic perspectives when exploring deeper patterns.

Maria frames the first step toward change as an act of courage and positions herself as a supportive collaborator in that process. She tailors pace and focus to each person, aiming to increase practical functioning, emotional clarity, and day-to-day resilience while honoring the client’s goals and lived experience.

Approaches That Guide Online Sessions

Maria integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy into her online work. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors so clients can develop more effective coping strategies for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. ACT emphasizes accepting difficult emotions while clarifying personal values and committing to actions that build a meaningful life, which can be especially useful for grief, chronic stress, and motivation challenges.

Her approach is collaborative; clients and the therapist explore which methods fit best based on individual goals, preferences, and life circumstances. This means she may draw more on skill-focused CBT exercises in some weeks and use ACT or client-centered conversations in others, tailoring the mix as the relationship and goals evolve.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, which provide flexibility for scheduling and make it easier to maintain continuity of care amid busy or changing lives. These options allow clients to choose how they engage with therapy while still working with a licensed professional to track progress and adjust the plan as needed.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Maria commonly address?

She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and intimacy challenges, addictions, mood disorders like depression and bipolar, ADHD, and related areas such as body image and caregiver stress.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

The style is collaborative and client-centered, focusing on respectful listening and tailoring dialogue and plans to each person’s needs while integrating practical skill-building and deeper exploration when helpful.

What level of experience does she bring?

Maria has six years of professional experience providing clinical care in Michigan and uses that background to inform individualized treatment choices.

What credentials and location are listed?

She is licensed as an LMSW in Michigan with license number MI LMSW 6801105593 and practices from that state.

Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?

Services are provided in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.

What session formats are available?

Clients may connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference and scheduling.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Session cost varies with location and therapist availability; services are offered through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin working together?

To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Grief Coping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepression Compassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

6+ years

Licensed

Michigan

Languages

English