Maya Zelio
MSW, LCSW
Every change and challenge in life is an opportunity to look at who you’ve been, where you’re headed, and what you want to become.
As a therapist, I see my role as a guide on the path to self-actualization—helping to make the journey feel a little less scary and unknown. I want to create a comfortable space in your life where you can come to learn, grow, and make room for new possibilities.
My Background & Experience
At a young age, I didn’t have the awareness or support to fully connect my experiences to my emotional and mental health. It wasn’t until college, after a friend encouraged me to go to therapy, that I realized how much of an impact depression was having on my life. Everything changed when I found a therapist who, along with modeling skills for resilience, made me feel seen and valued in the counseling space.
Therapy was so transformative that I set out to pursue a master’s in social work at NYU, in the city where I grew up, before moving to Chicago to begin my career. Working among such diverse communities in these huge urban environments taught me a lot about the spectrum of human experience.
My work in community senior services and in a rehab facility really opened my eyes to the challenges faced by those navigating illness, aging, transition, and loss. And over the years, I’ve expanded my focus to working with adults across the lifespan who may be struggling with their emotional, relational, and mental health in individual therapy.
What To Expect When We’re Working Together
Everyone has a different reason for seeking therapy, but there is often a common thread among my clients: something is changing, and they don’t know how to handle what’s next. From young professionals embarking on the milestones of adulthood and self-discovery to older clients undergoing loss and transition, I work with individuals who may be feeling overwhelmed by and underprepared for new life stressors or circumstances.
My tailored and eclectic counseling approach examines how we are products of our environments and how our histories shape our communication, self-understanding, and emotional needs. I recognize that each client maintains different goals and values, so I aim to make this process as collaborative and individualized as possible. And because I operate from the premise that all of us possess innate strengths, I build on those throughout the therapeutic journey to instill a sense of confidence and long-term relief.
A Little More About Me…
As a Colorado transplant coming from big cities, I’ve enjoyed the slower pace of life here. My free time is often spent exploring new hiking trails, doing yoga, and catching up with friends, family (and pets!) near and far. I have two children who are now coming into adulthood, and watching them grow into wonderful human beings has been a really great way to spend my life over the past few decades.
Let Therapy Be Your Compass
Some transitions are more stressful and complex than others, but resilience is a skill you can use for life. Let’s work together in therapy to create a roadmap for the path ahead. Contact me to schedule an appointment or find out more about how I can help.