Maria Portillo LMFT-A

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate with advanced training in couple and family therapy, sexuality, and relational work. My clinical and academic work has focused on relationships, intimacy, sexuality, identity, and the ways culture and social experiences shape how we connect with ourselves and others. I have particular experience and interest in working with couples, consensually non-monogamous relationships, sexual concerns, LGBTQ+ clients, and people navigating questions around identity, desire, and relationship structure. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and curious. I don’t believe there is one “right” way to have a relationship or experience sexuality. Instead, I work with you to understand what is happening beneath the surface, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and build ways of relating that feel more authentic and intentional. You can expect a space where you can talk openly about relationships, sex, and identity.

I believe therapy should make room for the whole person—not just the parts that feel easy to talk about. I value authenticity, curiosity, compassion, and the freedom to define what a meaningful life and healthy relationship look like for you. I believe there is no single “right” way to experience sexuality, build relationships, or create a family, and I strive to provide an affirming space for LGBTQ+ clients, people in consensually non-monogamous relationships, and anyone exploring their identity or relationship structure. I also believe our experiences do not exist in a vacuum. Culture, gender, race, family, community, and social expectations can all shape how we understand ourselves and our relationships. I approach this work with cultural humility and a willingness to listen, learn, and understand your experiences rather than making assumptions about them. Above all, I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to help you explore what feels true to you.