My story
Maria Parra, Psy.D.
I am a bilingual and bicultural mind-body clinician, who was born in Ithaca, New York, and was raised in Maracaibo, Venezuela. My first language is Spanish. I have lived in the US for over 30 yrs.
I am the owner and founder of Cardinal Wisdom LLC (2014), offering therapy for adults, young adults and families in English and Spanish. I have also led monthly women’s groups.
Experience
I have worked with a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, ages, sexual orientations and settings. I am very grateful to have been able to work and volunteer in many different places, such as chemical dependency programs, hospitals, correctional facilities, schools, non-profit agencies offering mental health services. I have worked at inpatient treatments and also facilitated group therapy.
My areas of expertise are helping people to learn to relate with themselves in a new way, loving and with self-compassion. I support people on their journey of integrating their past experiences, culture and in understanding patterns of imbalance and survival skills at their own pace.
I like to join each individual where they are in their journey and help them develop a new path of growth where they can start healing their past and start creating a new present and future. Clients describe me as compassionate, honest, and trustworthy. I can provide a safe, warm and nonjudgmental space for people to explore their concerns and optimize their relationships with themselves and others.
“Working with therapist Maria Parra was the best decision of my life." S.G.
I am here for anyone who wants and is ready to practice awareness, change, heal, bloom and shine. I believe in the connection and integration between all the aspects of a person: mind, body, and soul. The healing power of this relationship allows us to live our life to their fullest. I can support you to identify your thoughts, and real feelings, safely uncovering your fears and connecting with your actual needs.
I enjoy nature, discovering new places, biking, cooking, reading, music, dancing, playing games, nutrition and spending time with my family and friends.
My Background
- I have a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D. Bloomington, Minnesota, 1998)
- I have a BA in Clinical Psychology (Maracaibo, Venezuela, 1988)
- I have a certificate in Bach Flower Therapy and Birth Chart Readings (Spain, 2020, 150 hours)
- I have a certificate in Flower Essences Foundations (Minneapolis, 2021, 112 hours)
- Bush and California Essences Flowers I (8 hours, March 2023)
- Bush and California Essences Flowers II (8 hours, May 2023)
- I have a certificate in Level 1 and 2 of Spring Forest Qigong (Eagan, 2014 and 2015)
- Research: “Acculturation levels and coping skills in Hispanic Women”
- I have collaborated and contracted with other agencies and clinics offering other services such as therapy and as a guest speaker regarding mental health, for their Spanish-speaking clients.