Maya Fawley

Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
certified perinatal Mental health specialist

“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.”
— BESSEL A. VAN DER KOLK

I specialize in:

About Me

I was led to therapy at the young age of 13 when my parents started to recognize behaviors related to depression. I had never experienced a traumatic event or had to make any significant life adjustments before this point, so it took me a while to understand why I felt this way on a fundamentally biological level. Had they not noticed the changes in my behaviors, or had not been willing to address them with me, things would look very different today. To be honest, I hated therapy. While I finally had a name for what I was feeling, and a space to be vulnerable, I was uncomfortable uncovering the ways my own behaviors contributed to my unhappiness and relational conflict. However, with time, I learned this discomfort is part of growth. I realized that our own individual thoughts, feelings, experiences, beliefs, and behaviors impact each and every interaction we have with others, and the depth of these relationships is dependent on how we choose to grow in these areas. Growing up in a “pro-therapy” household saved my life, and I have since learned that having the support and acceptance of others while practicing vulnerability and uncovering hard truths is crucial to healing. Therapy has taught me not only to be more accepting of myself but also to be more accepting of others, which inspired me to pursue this career path. The more I bear witness to my clients challenging themselves to be emotionally vulnerable with their loved ones, the deeper my belief in the power of human connection grows.

As a systems-based therapist, I believe our individual identities are created and molded by our experiences interacting with others, particularly our family of origin. I want to provide my clients with an environment that is safe, sensitive, and supportive of their needs using an emotionally-focused therapeutic (EFT) approach. This means mapping out some of our behavioral patterns and identifying where changes can be made or bonds can be strengthened, as well as understanding how these patterns developed from an attachment perspective. I use mindfulness and body-based techniques as a means of emotional regulation throughout these processes of exploration. I work collaboratively with individuals, couples, and families to identify how we can achieve your goals inside and outside the therapy room.

Education

University of Arizona
Bachelor’s in Psychology & Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies

Auburn University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

Training

Narrative and Structural Techniques
Advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Certified in Trauma-Focused (CBT)
Telehealth Certified
Maya is currently working toward independent licensure and is under the supervision of Kelly Ontiveros (LMFT #15325)