Maria Severt, CT

Maria Severt (pronouns: she/her) is a counselor trainee who works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Her specialty interests include: anxiety, depression, stress-management, neurodivergence, body image, self-esteem, mood disorders, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, coping skills development, and mindfulness practices. She takes a holistic, person-centered and evidence-based therapeutic approach to create a safe, nonjudgmental space, to address each client’s unique needs, goals, and experiences.

Maria completed her advanced education at The Ohio State University, earning bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a minor in education and a master's degree in world language education. She is currently a master's student at John Carroll University completing a degree in clinical mental health counseling. Her background in education helped her discover that her true passion lies in building meaningful relationships with children and supporting their growth and development as a whole, rather than focusing solely on their academic success.

Prior to joining Wellness Grove, Maria began her career working in community mental health and school-based settings. In community mental health, she worked in a case management role where she met with children and their families to support goal setting and monitor progress. She worked in education, where she taught Spanish to elementary, middle, and high school students. She also spent a semester in the Dominican Republic teaching English at a private university. Prior to earning her teaching degree, Maria worked as a translator at an elementary school, taught English to Spanish-speaking students, and voluntarily provided tutoring services to community members. These experiences deepened her passion for community engagement and culturally responsive care, while strengthening her desire to help others achieve their goals.

Beyond her clinical work, Maria currently works in a school-based position supporting elementary-aged children by leading social-emotional learning groups, implementing interventions to help children manage distress, and assisting in the development of emotion regulation skills.

Maria’s approach to counseling is grounded in the belief that each client is the expert in their own life story. She strives to create a collaborative space where clients feel heard, empowered, and supported as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward meaningful change. Her approach is person-centered and holistic, recognizing the important connection between the mind and body in the process of healing and growth. Maria believes in meeting clients where they are and honoring the unique context of each person’s journey. She incorporates mindfulness practices, collaborative treatment planning, and creative approaches to help clients develop greater self-awareness, navigate challenges, and work toward their goals.

Her strengths include: kindness, patience, empathy, collaboration, open-mindedness, warmth, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others.