Who am I?
Wow, what a big question. Let's start with the basic identifiers. I am a first generation Cuban American born to an immigrant father and an American mother. I identify as bicultural rather than biracial as both sides of my family originate from the European continent. My existence blends together both Hispanic and Ulster Scot heritage. I carry both of these very proudly, but this was not always my truth.
I was born in middle Tennessee to 18 year old parents. My mother made the decision to deliver me rather than abort me. I am now grateful for this decision, but that gratitude wavered many times throughout my life. I grew up in a family that was welcoming, kind, and loving, but could not pronounce my given name. This led to me existing in multiple identities over my lifetime. And, now, this page serves as a testament to both my awakening and my embodiment of ME!
To say life was not easy would be a massive understatement. I was always encourage to be "white". There were many reasons for this...safety, opportunity, and disenfranchisement. Let me explain further... when I was in Kindergarten, taking the first standardized test of my educational journey, I raised my hand. My teacher approached my desk and I asked her "what do I put here?". She looked at my standardized form where I was pointing at the box indicating race. My teacher, without hesitation, replied, "put white, you are white." And so it began.
The denial of my Latinx heritage continued through many incidents throughout my life. To include but not limited to, "you don't look Cuban", "Are you Mexican?", and my dad both putting on and almost instantly removing a Cuban flag vanity plate from my car. I remember watching him in a fury taking the plate off and wondering why. When I asked, he said "I don't want anyone to mess with your car or you." The internalized hate and fear I felt for both myself and my people was strong.
Sadly, this lack of self acceptance continued for much of my life. And, it still has its moments today. I decided, after spending 26 years of my life in Tennessee to move to Florida for graduate school. Although I had spent time in Florida vacationing to the panhandle with my maternal family and visiting a few paternal relatives in Miami, the move entered me into a different world. During my very first graduate school course, I chose a seat in the second to last row in my class. But, before I continue, let me give you some context...this was in 2008, in a classroom in Tampa, FL. Almost immediately, the women in the back row were tapping me on my shoulder and saying "Maritza, come sit with us". I felt frozen and replied "I'm good here, thanks". The entire back row was full of Latina women! The entire front of the class with white students. And, then there was me...sitting in a row to myself. A huge metaphor for the world I knew. Never white enough and never Latina enough. Simply, never enough and never "home". 😔
If I could travel back in time, I would very gladly and excitedly accept the offer and move myself back one row to sit proudly with my Latina sisters. But, at the time, I was still whitewashed for safety, whitewashed to fit in, whitewashed for better opportunity. All the while, carrying around my abuela's nickname, Maritza (pronounced Mah-dee-suh). I was continually trapped between pride for my heritage and shame for my existence.
I woke one day in my 40s and went to use the bathroom per my usual morning routine. While looking in the mirror, I had what I can only liken to a spiritual experience. I saw myself, but not my actual self. I saw the all white version of me, I saw the me that I had created in my mind. As I looked in astonishment at this false image staring back at me, it started to fade and revealed my true image to me. I cried. I cried and cried. Both inside and out. I had no idea how much of myself I had denied for so much of my life. I saw myself and my features as both Latina and white American. I saw the reality and beauty of my mixed heritage.
And I never want to be blinded again.
I was born in middle Tennessee to 18 year old parents. My mother made the decision to deliver me rather than abort me. I am now grateful for this decision, but that gratitude wavered many times throughout my life. I grew up in a family that was welcoming, kind, and loving, but could not pronounce my given name. This led to me existing in multiple identities over my lifetime. And, now, this page serves as a testament to both my awakening and my embodiment of ME!
To say life was not easy would be a massive understatement. I was always encourage to be "white". There were many reasons for this...safety, opportunity, and disenfranchisement. Let me explain further... when I was in Kindergarten, taking the first standardized test of my educational journey, I raised my hand. My teacher approached my desk and I asked her "what do I put here?". She looked at my standardized form where I was pointing at the box indicating race. My teacher, without hesitation, replied, "put white, you are white." And so it began.
The denial of my Latinx heritage continued through many incidents throughout my life. To include but not limited to, "you don't look Cuban", "Are you Mexican?", and my dad both putting on and almost instantly removing a Cuban flag vanity plate from my car. I remember watching him in a fury taking the plate off and wondering why. When I asked, he said "I don't want anyone to mess with your car or you." The internalized hate and fear I felt for both myself and my people was strong.
Sadly, this lack of self acceptance continued for much of my life. And, it still has its moments today. I decided, after spending 26 years of my life in Tennessee to move to Florida for graduate school. Although I had spent time in Florida vacationing to the panhandle with my maternal family and visiting a few paternal relatives in Miami, the move entered me into a different world. During my very first graduate school course, I chose a seat in the second to last row in my class. But, before I continue, let me give you some context...this was in 2008, in a classroom in Tampa, FL. Almost immediately, the women in the back row were tapping me on my shoulder and saying "Maritza, come sit with us". I felt frozen and replied "I'm good here, thanks". The entire back row was full of Latina women! The entire front of the class with white students. And, then there was me...sitting in a row to myself. A huge metaphor for the world I knew. Never white enough and never Latina enough. Simply, never enough and never "home". 😔
If I could travel back in time, I would very gladly and excitedly accept the offer and move myself back one row to sit proudly with my Latina sisters. But, at the time, I was still whitewashed for safety, whitewashed to fit in, whitewashed for better opportunity. All the while, carrying around my abuela's nickname, Maritza (pronounced Mah-dee-suh). I was continually trapped between pride for my heritage and shame for my existence.
I woke one day in my 40s and went to use the bathroom per my usual morning routine. While looking in the mirror, I had what I can only liken to a spiritual experience. I saw myself, but not my actual self. I saw the all white version of me, I saw the me that I had created in my mind. As I looked in astonishment at this false image staring back at me, it started to fade and revealed my true image to me. I cried. I cried and cried. Both inside and out. I had no idea how much of myself I had denied for so much of my life. I saw myself and my features as both Latina and white American. I saw the reality and beauty of my mixed heritage.
And I never want to be blinded again.
What is my gift?
I spent many years in the education system and now hold the following titles...Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified Hypnotherapist, and Qualified Supervisor. In my personal life, I hold the titles Mom and Partner to an amazing family of four, plus our dog Bruno! I am also an only child to my parents and the eldest grandchild on both sides of my family.
As a natural born leader, I have found myself to be an advocate for those who feel disenfranchised and generally misunderstood in this world. I offer healing practices focused on uncovering both your deepest and highest self. I accomplish this many ways, but mainly, I bring forth my own authenticity to inspire others toward their self and their purpose.
Additionally, I identify as a light worker, empath, and curandera. My purpose is to use my hard earned gifts to enlighten and help others live fully and authentically. The mission of my private practice is focused on awareness, compassion, and acceptance. I guide others using these core tenets in each session and every encounter. Our focused and shared energy creates a healing environment in which you can see yourself more clearly and with kindness.
In my early years as a therapist, I was very fortunate to have a supervisor who was supportive, skillful, and full of compassion. She told me, "you build rapport faster than anyone I've ever seen". I have revisited this feedback many times over the years and now consider it a gift of my "otherness". I have the ability to relate to others from various backgrounds and experience with ease and empathy. This grants me the ability to connect and heal so many diverse people. And, I love it!
I could not have wished for better gifts than those which were granted upon birth and thrust upon me through life experiences. I hope to be able to share my gifts with you!
As a natural born leader, I have found myself to be an advocate for those who feel disenfranchised and generally misunderstood in this world. I offer healing practices focused on uncovering both your deepest and highest self. I accomplish this many ways, but mainly, I bring forth my own authenticity to inspire others toward their self and their purpose.
Additionally, I identify as a light worker, empath, and curandera. My purpose is to use my hard earned gifts to enlighten and help others live fully and authentically. The mission of my private practice is focused on awareness, compassion, and acceptance. I guide others using these core tenets in each session and every encounter. Our focused and shared energy creates a healing environment in which you can see yourself more clearly and with kindness.
In my early years as a therapist, I was very fortunate to have a supervisor who was supportive, skillful, and full of compassion. She told me, "you build rapport faster than anyone I've ever seen". I have revisited this feedback many times over the years and now consider it a gift of my "otherness". I have the ability to relate to others from various backgrounds and experience with ease and empathy. This grants me the ability to connect and heal so many diverse people. And, I love it!
I could not have wished for better gifts than those which were granted upon birth and thrust upon me through life experiences. I hope to be able to share my gifts with you!
What can you expect from a session?
In each session, we will address your needs/wants/desires for personal growth and healing. I offer a blend of western psychology methods and other esoteric practices. Therefore, a session may include talk therapy, personality coaching (using MBTI and Enneagram systems), hypnotherapy, past life regression, soul retrieval or release, tarot/oracle readings, chakra cleansing/balancing, limpias, and much more. I base each healing session on your identified needs and foster a collaborative effort to enhance your overall health and well being.
The first step is scheduling a session. You can do this easily by reaching out to me via email at mblmft@pureempathyllc.com.
Next, you will be sent a link to complete a few forms prior to your first session. Lastly, you will arrive for your first session either at my office in beautiful Clearwater Florida or via telehealth. Then we begin to co-create a healing space for you to embody yourself in a genuine way, heal what needs healing, and reach your gifts/potential/purpose.
I so look forward to working with you!
The first step is scheduling a session. You can do this easily by reaching out to me via email at mblmft@pureempathyllc.com.
Next, you will be sent a link to complete a few forms prior to your first session. Lastly, you will arrive for your first session either at my office in beautiful Clearwater Florida or via telehealth. Then we begin to co-create a healing space for you to embody yourself in a genuine way, heal what needs healing, and reach your gifts/potential/purpose.
I so look forward to working with you!
What does it cost?
In an effort to free myself from the limitations of over-regulation and practice using the breadth of my skills, I only accept self payment for sessions. I offer one hour sessions for $150. The cost is based on time and the same for individuals, couples, and families. I have set my fee to respect both my needs and your session. *A fee too low leads to burnout and a fee too high feels incongruent with my mission*
Connect with Me
Here are some ways you can connect with me between sessions.
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My PodcastWorking to de-stigmatize mental and emotional health.
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