
Maryana Ambagis, LMSW
SHE/HER
“The aim of therapy is not to correct the past, but to enable the patient to confront his own history, and to grieve over it” – Alice Miller
I love this quote, as I feel it speaks to the rawness of our experiences and their impact on our functioning. I recognize the path towards healing can feel daunting. It requires vulnerability, trust, bravery, and honesty – but you do not have to walk it alone. Together we will create a therapeutic space that encourages collaboration, exploration, connection, curiosity, and authenticity. Where you can come as you are, and work through your needs, without judgment.
I am dedicated to disrupting the stigma surrounding how people connect. I specialize in working with individuals and couples/polycules exploring their relationship with self and others in or out of the bedroom. This includes work involving gender and sexuality exploration, challenges in sexual pain/functioning or relational communication, self-esteem and body image issues (from a health at all sizes perspective), and experiences of sexual abuse or violence.
In order for me to challenge you and invite growth in our sessions, I bring my full self to the room, just as I ask you to. My therapeutic style is warm, casual, kind, and honest (with a splash of laughter). I am committed to celebrating individuals for who they are, appreciating diversity and individuality in backgrounds, identities, and relationship styles. I am sex/sex work(er) positive, an LGBTQIA+ ally, kinky affirming, poly supporter, and a safe space to those who’ve had encounters with the carceral system.
My goal is to support you in feeling liberated to explore your past, empowered to work on the present, and step confidently towards your most fulfilling future.
I believe successful treatment is tailored to you and your unique lived experiences, therefore my practice uses a diverse range of therapeutic modalities based in trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, strengths-based, and whole-person centered approaches. It is crucial for us to honor all parts of you, all equally contributing to the beautiful person that you are.
No matter where you are on your wellness journey, welcome! I’m so glad you’re here.