Maria Picciotti, LCSW

Maria Picciotti is a licensed clinical social worker with ten years of licensed experience. She uses straightforward approaches to help people manage stress, anxiety, mood concerns, and the effects of trauma. She speaks English and works with clients across Pennsylvania and internationally. Maria aims to meet people where they are and help them take practical steps forward.

Maria focuses on concrete skills and clear goals in sessions. She draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to identify patterns that keep problems going. She also uses acceptance and commitment ideas to help people clarify values and take meaningful action, and client-centered listening to make space for each person’s story.

In her work she addresses a wide range of concerns including depression, bipolar mood problems, compassion fatigue, intimacy-related issues, anger, low self-esteem, and LGBT-related concerns. She also supports people dealing with chronic illness, dissociation, social anxiety, phobias, sexual concerns, and other co-occurring issues. Maria adapts the pace and content to fit each person’s needs.

Sessions tend to be practical and collaborative. People can expect a mix of skill practice, reflection, and problem-solving. The goal is to reduce distress and build daily habits that support wellbeing.

Maria invites people who are ready to try therapy to begin with a short matching process. She emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and an individualized plan so clients can feel heard and move toward change.

How therapy approaches translate to online care

Maria often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot unhelpful thoughts and test different, more helpful behaviors. CBT is useful for anxiety, depression, phobias, and many everyday problems because it focuses on small, practical changes.

She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients name what matters most and take actions that match those values, even when feelings are difficult. This approach is helpful for chronic worry, persistent mood problems, and issues where avoidance gets in the way of living fully.

Client-Centered Therapy is another foundation of her work. That means listening closely, reflecting what matters to the client, and building a respectful, supportive relationship so people can explore their concerns at their own pace.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, struggles, and preferences, and then recommend a mix of strategies. That plan can change as clients try tools and notice what helps.

Online therapy offers several practical benefits. Video calls let people use visual cues and practice skills in real time. Phone sessions are a good option when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text-based messaging work well for shorter check-ins, writing out thoughts, or fitting brief support into a busy day. These formats make therapy more flexible and easier to fit into life routines.