Maria Crisostomo

LAC, M.A,

Maria Crisostomo LAC, M.A, Graduated Mental Health/Counseling from Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis (BGSP)/ Academy of Clinical and Applied Psychoanalysis (ACAP), and received my Bachelor of Art in Psychology from Rutgers State University.

From an early age, I have been intrigued by the human mind and how it works. This interest has been enhanced through my study of psychology. Many times, I felt lonely and wished to have someone to talk to about my journey. Mental Health Counselors/Psychologists are some of the wise people in society that use their keen listening and speaking skills to heal people. I thought ‘that is what I want to be when I grow up!’ I wanted to be able to help others.

During my training, I participated in SafetyNet. This was a program created during the pandemic used to help those in need of mental health support. I also volunteered for iStrive. In this program I assisted adults with autism spectrum disorder. My responsibilities include interacting with adults and assisting them in communicating with other members. My participation in both programs has given me an amazing amount of experience and personal fulfillment.

In the past 8 years I have worked with children with special needs. Their needs included social, emotional, and physical support in assisting them to become a part of an inclusive classroom. Social emotional needs and mental health are more important now than ever before. Using my knowledge and experience in mental health with adults and children in my current job as an Intensive in Community Therapist, where I am constantly working with people and adapting to their needs. Offering them a trustful relationship to help them to become healthier mentally to be their better version.