Meet Our Therapists / Eliana Mateo
Eliana Mateo (She/Her/Hers), MSW Student Intern
Eliana’s spotlight coming soon...
Master Social Worker Intern under supervision with Jen Braveman, LCSW-C, and Hetty Barnett, LCSW-C
Clinical Degree: MSW Student at Salisbury University
Expertise: Anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, complex family dynamics, self-doubt, and trauma
IFS training: IFS Informed
My Background and Approach
My purpose comes from wanting to be a helping hand in someone’s life during the difficult times, the scary times, the confusing, and even the impossible times. I am passionate about walking alongside individuals as they face life challenges by offering support, compassion, and being a steady presence in their lives. My approach is rooted in connection, authenticity, openness, patience, and a non-judgmental space where you can be simply just yourself. I have supported individuals working through complex family dynamics, self-doubt, trauma, anxiety, and depression. Whatever you are carrying, you don’t have to face it alone. My biggest hope is that through our work, you begin to see even a small shift, a spark of belief in yourself, and the courage to take a chance on hope and healing.
What to Expect in Our Sessions & How I Can Help You
Whether we are meeting in person or virtually. I understand that starting therapy can feel overwhelming – especially when there are parts of you that aren’t even sure why you are showing up. But the part of you that did make it to the session? That part holds strength. Each week, I will meet you right where you are, welcoming whatever parts of you are present, whether you’re ready to talk, feeling guarded, or just trying to make it through the day. Our sessions will be shaped around your needs in the moment, from deep emotional work to gentle reflection or grounded.
My Style & Skills
My therapeutic style is centered around meeting you exactly where you are. I strive to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and comfortable being your authentic self. Once we’ve established that connection, I take a strength-based approach that can sometimes feel challenging, but always with care, compassion, and intention. My work comes from a variety of evidence-based modalities to help support your growth:
Internal Family Systems (IFS) to explore and integrate different parts of yourself with compassion.
Trauma-Informed Care to gently process and heal from past wounds
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and patterns
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for building emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills
Mindfulness-Based Practice to help you stay present and grounded
To me, therapy isn’t just a place to vent – it is a space to do the deep, transformative work of facing challenges, uncovering your strength, resilience, and the clarity within you. My hope is that through our work, you begin to experience real change, believe in/ understand yourself a little more, and start moving towards the life you truly want.
~ Eliana Mateo
"Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness" ~ Brené Brown
Eliana is currently in her final year of her MSW program at Salisbury University and is completing her clinical internship. Though in the process of becoming an LMSW, she brings several years of experience in the mental health field, having worked in both hospital and community mental health clinic settings. This background has given her the opportunity to support individuals across various stages of life through individual and group therapy.
With a focus on older adolescents (16+) and adults, Eliana works with clients navigating a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, and issues related to identity and self-worth. She brings a thoughtful, client-centered approach to therapy through empathy and a deep respect for each person’s unique story.
Eliana identifies as a Hispanic woman and uses she/ her pronouns. She is committed to fostering an inclusive, affirming space for all clients and values authenticity, openness, and non-judgment throughout the therapeutic process.
Eliana is under the supervision of Jen Braveman, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW and Hetty Barnett, LCSW-C, LICSW
Ready to get Started?
Call us at 301-960-8960 for a short chat with our Client Care Coordinator, who is available weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM. You can also fill out the contact form and we will get back to you.
