Maya Vadell, MA
Psychotherapist
Maya Vadell (he/they)
My therapeutic interests center neurodivergence/disability and their intersectionality with race, gender, and other identities. They also pull from my passion for performance psychology.
My therapeutic approach is rooted In the Intersection of human connection, multicultural sensitivity and evidenced based theories including but not limited to depth psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). I strive to continue to learn and expand my approaches to best support my clients. I integrate diverse narratives and cultural perspectives in therapy. Incorporating various cultural, musical, and narrative elements can enrich the therapeutic process, making it more inclusive and effective for people from different backgrounds. By moving beyond a Eurocentric view of therapy, we can create a more equitable and accessible mental health landscape that respects and values the diversity of human experiences. I also pull from my own lived experiences existing in this world as a Black/Puerto Rican, performer, neurodivergent, and trans/gender fluid person with strong ties to Black womanhood. Holding these identities, I understand the importance of coming to this work with a trauma informed lens. I strive to be LGBT+ affirming, sex positive, kink positive, and sex work positive. Come to this space as you are. I will lovingly and gently challenge you when necessary, but I will never judge you. I can relate to how difficult it can be to find competent, empathetic, and humble care.
In a world where we are faced with various systemic harm, it is a beautiful thing to be able to take care of each other. I hope to cultivate a therapeutic foundation of trust and open communication so I may best support you through your healing journey. While healing can be challenging, you should never have to do it alone.
While my performance consultant work is separate from my counseling work, I very often blend the two together when relevant. Particularly in the counseling space, performance psychology touches on the reality that many people with marginalized identities must perform in some capacity to survive oppressive systems. For instance. performance psychology concepts such as confidence, goal setting, and focus are just as helpful to athletes, musicians, etc. as they are to a transgender woman navigating the work force or a neurodivergent student. Far too often, it feels like mental health spaces, especially for those with chronic conditions, focus on ways to cope. Coping is important AND I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Maya Vadell (he/they) has a B.A. from Rutgers University in Psychology with a minor in music. After completing their undergraduate education, they completed a year of service with AmeriCorps as an employment coach and volunteered for a year with the crisis text line. He is a graduate from Adler University with a M.A. in clinical mental health counseling and an M.S. in Sport and Human Performance.