My Approach
I am an integrative psychotherapist with a humanistic–psychodynamic orientation.
My humanistic stance is rooted in the belief that every person holds an innate capacity to grow, heal, and reach their fullest potential. In our sessions, I offer a safe and empathic space to explore what may be standing in the way of that growth. I see the therapeutic relationship as sacred, and my role is to bring my authentic self into each session - creating a non-judgemental environment where you feel supported to reconnect with your true self. Your lived experience is sacred to me, too. I hold a no-judgement policy - and it’s so important that I want you to feel it even before you step into my office.
My psychodynamic influence guides me to look beneath the surface - to explore how early relational experiences shape present emotions and patterns. Together, we explore the roots of old wounds through inner-child work, attachment awareness, and unconscious processes, allowing you to understand yourself more deeply and to develop new ways of relating, to yourself and to others.
My integrative stance means I am trained in multiple therapeutic modalities, not just one. In my work, I adapt to each individual’s unique needs, drawing from different approaches as they become most helpful in each session. I take a holistic view of healing - one that honours the mind, body, and soul as interconnected parts of the same system.
My work is inspired by the teachings of Carl Rogers, Viktor Frankl, Carl Jung, Gabor Maté, Richard Schwartz, and Esther Perel - voices that explore the search for meaning, the integration of mind and soul, and the transformative power of human relationships.
Modalities I integrate:
Person-Centered Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Gestalt Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
Internal-Family Systems
Schema Therapy/Inner Child work
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Choice Theory & Reality Therapy
Logo-Therapy & Existential Therapy
Mindfulness
I offer sessions in English and Romanian, both of which I speak fluently. English has become my main language of expression. I also understand French and Russian, though I may occasionally switch to English for clarity or deeper expression.
What It’s Like to Work With Me
Working with me means entering a space where you’re met with warmth, presence, and honesty. My role is not to “fix” you, but to walk beside you as we explore what’s happening beneath the surface — your thoughts, emotions, patterns, and the meanings behind them.
Together, we work at your pace, allowing space for both reflection and growth. Some sessions may feel gentle and grounding, others more challenging or insight-provoking - both are part of the healing process.
What matters most to me is that you feel safe, seen, and supported to be fully yourself.
I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, and I’m mindful when it comes to using labels. If you’ve been given a label or diagnosis before, I’m more interested in what it means to you - in understanding your story beyond any label, and meeting you with openness and without bias. I’ve seen how labels can change over time, and even fade away as people reconnect with themselves and their deeper truth.
What People Are Saying
“If I could describe Ms Mariana in one word, it would be “godsend”. I used to believe that counselling was only for people who were ‘unsound’ or deeply broken. I first came to her after a failed relationship, convinced that I was the problem and had issues. However, she helped me understand that no one is the problem; it’s how we respond, shaped by the ways we were wired from childhood.
Through our subsequent sessions, she observed and addressed patterns that quietly shaped and sabotage my relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners. What I appreciate most is how intentional her approach is: she questions if these patterns align with my values and beliefs, then works with me using therapeutic methods to help me approach relationships better.
She doesn’t sugarcoat, nor does she confront harshly. She addresses mistakes firmly yet compassionately, always guiding me back to myself. I am therefore deeply grateful for the clarity, growth, and self-understanding she has helped me build through our therapy sessions.”
— Niva
“Healing is not about fixing the past but freeing yourself from its grip on the present.”
Gabor Maté