Lori Santa Maria, Counselor in Training (CIT)
Growth Mind Counseling
Lori Santa Maria, Counselor in Training (CIT)
Welcome, and thank you for visiting!
I’m Lori Santa Maria, a graduate student earning my Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My path to counseling began in marketing, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from Arizona State University.
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Transitioning from marketing to mental health counseling has been both transformative and deeply meaningful. My background in marketing taught me how to communicate with empathy, clarity, and purpose—skills that now help me connect with clients on a personal level. Through years of experience in television, digital media, SEO, social media marketing, and content creation, I developed a strong understanding of how people think, feel, and respond to messages.
Today, I channel that same insight and curiosity into understanding the human experience, supporting others on their journey toward growth, healing, and emotional well-being.
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Counselor Identity & Areas of Specialization
My counselor identity is rooted in genuineness, empathy, and acceptance. I believe in creating a space where clients feel truly seen and supported for who they are. I approach each session with a growth mindset—trusting that healing and change are always possible. Through authenticity and compassion, I strive to help others build self-confidence, develop resilience, and discover their inner strengths.
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I am here to provide a supportive space where you can navigate life’s challenges and develop a personalized plan that empowers you to thrive and live your best life.
My areas of specialization include:
Anxiety
Depression
Low self-esteem
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Life Transitions
Divorce
Job loss
Mid-life challenges
Sports performance anxiety
Professional Development and Affiliations
I strive to create a space that feels safe, compassionate, and judgment-free — where you feel heard, supported, and empowered. My role is to meet you exactly where you are and help you navigate life’s challenges. Together, we will work to develop effective coping strategies, strengthen emotional resilience, and move toward the goals that matter most to you.
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My counseling style is genuine, transparent, and collaborative. I utilize a range of evidence-based approaches to tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs. I often draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Family Systems (FS) approaches. These tools help us explore patterns, build self-awareness, and work toward meaningful personal growth.
In addition to being a graduate student, I'm also an office manager at Arizona Restorative Psychiatry and a Service Associate Volunteer for the Disaster Action Team regions of New Mexico and Arizona for the Red Cross.​
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I'm a member of the American Counseling Association, Arizona Counselors Association, and Arizona Trauma Association.
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