Mariana believes that great power is found when one develops new skills, but one must first identify which skills would significantly influence one's life. Growing up she admired those who gave of themselves for the good of society, like Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr, and Mother Theresa. She entered the field Looking for a deeper understanding of how people process and handle what is bothering them and why they get triggered.  Then, her search unlocked her desire to help them realize they can do something about it and improve their lives. Mariana’s passion is to help people solve their concerns with compassion. Thus, her approach creates an environment that is unbiased and safe.

She is a lifelong learner who likes to think about the meaning of life and finding one’s purpose. She has been an educator and a behavior analyst, and her passion for teaching and desire to help was formed in those roles. One of Mariana’s favorite ways to help people is to teach people about negative thinking patterns and assist them with discovering ways to challenge those patterns with healthier ways of viewing life and develop coping skills. Artistic expression is one that Mariana highlights, and she will help you unlock the coping skills that are most suitable for you.

In her work with children, she has helped them engage with others more flexibly and meaningfully. She has helped them break through the walls of silence that have led them to interact negatively. She believes the best learning opportunity often comes through play, which is a child’s language. Play allows them to express their needs and feelings; when children are well-understood, everyone’s lives improve. For children experiencing behavioral challenges, she focuses on discovering the unmet need triggering the behavior and then works with them to help replace it with a more appropriate action.

Mariana Villegas finished her clinical mental health counseling coursework at Capella University and is excited to be providing therapy as a student intern at The Collective Wellness Institute. So, whether you are looking for someone to talk to yourself or for your child, give Mariana a call at 800-715-3606 or click the link below to set up an appointment or no cost consultation.