Maribel Fuentes-Sandoval

For many of us, a significant life event brings us to the helping profession. Mine was when my sister was born. Because of her medical conditions, my family and I met with helping professionals who supported and guided us through the healing process. Those providers gave us strength by creating a secure, comforting, and supportive environment. I knew I needed to pass on what was given to me. I chose social work and my innate passion for therapy. I hope to bring the security, comfort, and supportive environment I once experienced.

What drew me toward specializing in OCD is the significant success rate of the intervention used here at NOCD. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is known to be the most effective OCD treatment. This proven treatment requires strong collaboration, which I believe is essential. By specializing in OCD, I aim to better support my members and this growing population.

I have many years of experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults on many behavioral, social, emotional, and environmental concerns. In recent years, I've helped people manage intrusive thoughts, cognitive distortions, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, self-regulation, and safety factors. I create a member-centered environment where I treat members as experts, and I'm there to guide and support them. I emphasize healthy therapeutic relationships where there is no judgment in treatment.

I understand how challenging it can be to ask for support. I'm happy you're here today. The first step is the hardest, and you have done the challenging part. I want you to know that NOCD focuses on OCD and similar disorders, which means we'll have effective treatment plans and goals for you. I will make sure you feel safe and supported during your sessions. This will always be a collaborative effort with a common goal.

I know it will be hard to share some thoughts at the beginning. That's why I believe the most important part of treatment is establishing safety and a therapeutic relationship in the first few sessions. I create a genuine connection that allows the people I'm working with to be their full authentic selves in treatment. I will never force you to share anything you're not ready for. My goal is to collaborate with you and encourage you to feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and experiences with OCD