Maria Ellis, LSCSW
Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker
Maria Ellis is a licensed specialist clinical social worker. She graduated from K-State with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and completed her Master's degree at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, where she was one of two students selected to complete an internship at The Menninger Clinic.
Maria has spent the past 21 years providing a safe therapeutic space where clients can explore and work through issues in order to heal and grow. She is trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, solution focused therapy, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, exposure and response prevention, and prolonged exposure therapy. She has extensive experience working with clients who struggle with concerns ranging from mood disorders to self harm behaviors to adjustment related issues and has a particular interest in working with clients who have trauma histories. Maria teaches clients new ways of coping, communicating, thinking and behaving. Having spent two decades in community mental health settings, including 14 years as a regional clinical supervisor and academic consultant, Maria is able to help guide clients through complex systems of care to help them access the resources they need to remain in their home community. In addition to her clinical work, she also provides training, consultation and supervision to master's level staff working toward clinical Ii censure and has developed numerous programs including a parenting skills curriculum and a school based therapy program. She is an active presenter on mental health topics and has served on numerous community boards.
Maria's approach to her work with clients is strengths based, interactive and accepting. She meets clients where they're at, providing immediate feedback or challenging a thought or belief that might be getting in the way of progress. She frequently prescribes homework assignments for her clients. Why? Because it helps increase clients' self awareness and allows them to gain new perspectives and reach their treatment goals in the most timely way.
Maria's work has taken her to college campuses, nursing homes, outpatient settings, hospitals and now Katie's Way. She wants you to know that if you're feeling lost and alone, it doesn't have to be that way. Please reach out. Help is waiting. You really can learn to heal old wounds, develop healthier relationships and lead a more satisfying life.