I Support the Latinx Community By Helping

Learn About Me & How I Can Help

Mariana Gonzalez, MA

Bilingual Art Psychotherapist Intern

Hello, my name is Mariana Gonzalez and I’m a bilingual art psychotherapy intern at Latinx Talk Therapy. I like to include creative expression, humor, and Spanglish in sessions. My clinical approach is tailored to each individual client based on their experiences, preferences, and needs. I take a strength-based approach when helping Latinx clients move toward their desired lifestyles and goals. My theoretical approach is holistic and includes self-esteem-building skills and self-exploration.

As a member of the Latinx community myself, I understand the importance of honoring and embracing our experiences. Our community faces adversities and injustices that have tainted our perspectives, emotional, and mental health. Helping you heal, build confidence, and protect your energy is what my therapy approach is dedicated to. You will be able to identify negative and positive patterns, focus on solutions, and create your own mystical experience

Seeing you enjoy a life filled with positive energy and optimistic outlooks is what pushes me to help you achieve your personal and professional aspirations.

You Don’t Have to Face Your Struggles Alone, I Am Here to Help

In my past professional experiences, I have worked with children and their families to positively enhance the interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships clients had with themselves, community members, and the world around them.

Get to Know A Little Bit More About Me

I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. I grew up in a Mexican-American household in a predominantly immigrant neighborhood. I am a native Spanish speaker.

I began my career at Southern Methodist University as a first-generation college student. I obtained my fine arts degree in Studio Art with a concentration in drawing and psychology. I went on to work with high school students from low-income families in a local school district to become college ready while teaching photography. My undergraduate research studied community engagement strategies in primarily Hispanic, Latino, and Black communities with local arts and cultural centers. My research experience and passion for the arts inspired me to pursue a career in art therapy.

I am in the process of obtaining my Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago. I am proud to be Latinx and feel my purpose is to contribute to mi Comunidad with the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired in art therapy to help them live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

My Specialties

My training has focused on a wide range of populations with an emphasis on cultural competency and trauma-informed practices in art therapy.

What is art therapy?

A form of psychotherapy facilitated by a master’s level practitioner that encourages the use of the creative expression for the purpose of supporting treatment goals and community concerns. The process of art making can help us explore difficult emotions and understand more about the mind, body, and spirit which is distinct from verbal articulation alone.

For example, with careful consideration of the availability, the value of materials, and cultural associations, I can create and execute culturally competent interventions for people who have traditionally not gained much from talk therapy or are simply interested in art therapy.

Who is a good candidate for art therapy?

Anyone who is interested in any form of creative expression or wants to learn more about art therapy. You do not need any special skills or materials to make art. Just come as you are and we will figure out the rest together. Remember it is about the process, not the product.