Hello! I am Dr. Maria Cornejo Garcia.
I am the founder and owner of Inspiring Connections Therapy. I work with individuals, families, and couples across the lifespan to address a variety of issues, such as stress, acculturative stress, life transitions, depression, anxiety, relational issues, and issues related to grief, trauma, and racial trauma. I am also passionate about addressing burnout and compassion fatigue and supporting those who care for others.
My work with you in therapy aims to create a space where you can speak openly about your concerns and feel seen and heard. My approach to therapy is to view you as part of a whole collection of your life experiences. I will explore with you present and past patterns in your life in an effort to gain an understanding of your worldview. I acknowledge that matters of culture and race are important to our mental health and contribute to one’s experiences, and I will integrate this into treatment from a multicultural perspective. I am collaborative, informative, and value empowering you in the many roles you have in your life. Together we will explore where you have been, where you are, and where you would like to be. This is your journey. Your mental health matters.
A little more about me…
My life has been full of ups and downs. My family life during my childhood colored my world view. Life seemed so hard. Recognizing patterns and difficulties for what they were and how they have shaped me was made more challenging when those around me were unable to see them.
My hope is to help those who have struggled through their childhood stories, to inspire them to see the hope in their stories, to help them discover their essence, their value, and to create connections that are healthier with themselves and with others.
My belief is that resiliency exists in our diverse races and cultures. As a bilingual, bicultural, first generation Latina, I have experienced the privilege and disadvantages of both worlds. In my practice, I am dedicated to helping decolonize mental health to ensure that all feel valued for their experiences and worldviews and have a real space to share their struggles.
Education, Credentials and Experience
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology,
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Licensed as a Clinical Psychologist
State of Illinois
Integrated Primary Care
Certification
Compassion Fatigue Professional
Certification
Bilingual
English and Spanish