Maryann Foster

My name is Maryann Y. Foster and I am licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in California, New York, New Jersey, Arizona, and Florida. I have advanced clinical training in Intersubjective Self Psychology, a modern psychoanalytic theory. My many years of experience have given me the privilege to help individuals with a wide range of health needs from diverse backgrounds.

My approach

I have advanced clinical training in Intersubjective Self Psychology, a modern psychodynamic theory that focuses on self esteem and awareness, and our relationships to others and whatever holds importance to us. My approach is person centered, down to earth, conversational, warm, empathic, and welcomes humor individuality, and creativity. Within my theoretical framework, I often draw upon various evidence based techniques when helpful, such as Seeking Safety (trauma, substance use), ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy), Wellness Self Management, therapeutic creative arts, and mindfulness and grounding practices.

My focus

While I am open to working with individuals from age 13 to 99+, my preferred population is professionals from age 23 to 45. I have worked effectively with persons from diverse backgrounds and identifications, and have not found it a barrier in my practice. I am comfortable treating trauma and PTSD, anxiety, mood disorders including Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and Adjustment Disorders, life transitions (work, loss, pet loss, marriage, break ups, relocation), substance use issues, and chronic health conditions and anxieties.

My communication style

It is very important to me to create an environment that feels safe, comfortable, and empathic. The patient should feel "known" by me, and should have a feeling of unconditional positive regard, flexibility, and acceptance.

My journey to mental healthcare

I started out in undergraduate school as a music education major, quickly gravitating to special needs children. This interest led me to my first graduate degree in Creative Arts Therapy (Music Therapy) and I worked in that field for a number of years, working with both children and adults. I then added my MSW degree and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I spent many years as a therapist, clinical supervisor manager, and clinical director, focusing many of my years on dual focus (mental health and substance use) and trauma work. I continue to engage in advanced clinical training at an institute in NYC, where I receive mentorship and ongoing clinical knowledge for my practice and my writing. I remain eternally curious, passionate, interested and motivated to help individuals embark on new chapters of their lives and to achieve greater peace, happiness, and wellness.

My goals for you

During Intake and periodically throughout treatment, i help patients formulate their goals and summarize progress, and where things are "stuck" and why.

My first session with you

I complete the initial intake in an informal way, using an intake outline, but encouraging a conversational flow to the session. While it is important to make sure certain background information is obtained, I also like to talk about goals, my approach, what has helped or not helped in treatment in the past, expectations for therapy including "why at this time in your life?" I like to leave clients with a sense of hope, a new skill, or a new insight so that they will look forward with curiosity and minimal anxiety to our next session.