Maria Helena Buitrago Cohoon, Psy.D

Maria Helena Buitrago Cohoon

Position Title
Postdoctoral Resident

  • Counseling Services
she/her/ella
Bio

Education

Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology - University of St. Thomas
M.A. in Counseling - University of St. Thomas

Professional Interests

Student leaders, identity exploration and development, LGBTQIA+, life transitions, anxiety, OCD, couples work and career exploration. I work from a Narrative approach and integrate components of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).

About Me

I am originally from the Bay Area, although I have also lived on the East Coast for 3 years and in the Midwest for 5 years. I was an RA in college, continued as a Hall Director in graduate school, and my dissertation focused on RA burnout and self-care, so supporting student leaders has always been a passion and focus of my work. I am a foodie who loves reality TV and spending quality time with friends and family.

How I Work With Students

I hope to create a warm and safe space where you feel comfortable being your authentic self. I believe you are the expert of your experiences and hope to work collaboratively towards your goals. I hope to support the process of identifying your values and strengths as you work towards the change and insight you seek. Using a Narrative Therapy approach, my understanding is that you as the client are never the problem, the problem/concern is the problem. Together, we will work together to name the problem, understand its effects in your life, and determine the ways in which we can minimize the effects of the problem in your life. I also understand that others and your environment can exacerbate the effects of the problem in your life. I hope to follow your lead, and my approach will vary and be tailored to your needs.

Languages

English and Spanish 

Identities that Represent Me

Chicanx / Latinx, LGBTQIA+