Maria Terneus (she/her/hers)

LCSW
Accepting Clients

Compassionate trauma therapist helping you heal, reclaim your voice, and build a life of self-trust and emotional freedom.

Clinical Social Worker in Winston Salem, NC

Services

About My Clients

I specialize in working with women who feel stuck in cycles of self-doubt, shame, or people-pleasing—often high-functioning yet deeply exhausted inside. Many of my clients are survivors of relational or childhood trauma, perfectionists, or caregivers who’ve lost touch with their own needs. Together, we slow down, make sense of old patterns, and build new ways of relating to yourself and others that feel grounded, authentic, and free.

My Background and Approach

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and trauma therapist with advanced training in EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and perinatal mental health. My work is grounded in both science and compassion, helping clients move from simply surviving to feeling fully alive. Over the years, I’ve supported individuals through trauma recovery, anxiety, perfectionism, and identity shifts that often surface in motherhood and other major life transitions. My approach blends evidence-based methods with a deep respect for your inner wisdom—because healing isn’t just about understanding what happened, it’s about creating safety in your body and trust within yourself. Clients often tell me our work helps them reconnect with who they truly are beneath the layers of shame, people-pleasing, and self-doubt. My goal is to create a space where you can exhale, explore, and gently build a more grounded, authentic way of being.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

At the heart of my work is a belief in the inherent worth and resilience of every person. I see therapy as both personal healing and quiet rebellion—an act of reclaiming your voice, boundaries, and truth in a world that often teaches us to disconnect from them. I value authenticity, compassion, and social justice, and I strive to create an inclusive space where all parts of your identity are honored. I’m passionate about dismantling systems of shame—especially those rooted in patriarchy, perfectionism, and unrealistic standards placed on women and caregivers. Outside the therapy room, I use writing and education to spark conversations about mental health, motherhood, and the courage it takes to live unapologetically. I believe healing ripples outward: when one person finds their voice, it invites others to do the same. My work is grounded in the hope that personal healing contributes to collective change.

Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Agnosticism
  • Christianity
  • Interfaith
  • Multifaith

At A Glance

  • Experience: 6 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $130 - 260/session

Info

Email Maria
318 Indera Mills CT
Winston Salem, NC 27107

Reach out to Maria