About

In 2009, after 10 years of goal setting, saving money and planning, My husband and I started our first business and by 2013, we had failed in that first business. That's right, I "failed" the first time around and it hurt like hell but ironically, failing was one of the best lessons of my Life. I learned what I really needed to know about myself, change and successful living. I put into practice in my own life what I now share and teach in my clinical work,

I have a bucket-list of 101 goals, which includes creating/building the next global social enterprise (do good and build wealth). What can I say, I DREAM BIG! I eat, sleep and dream personal development. I started with Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People in 1997 and currently reading What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey

I have accomplished many of my Life goals and although my dreams and goals sometimes change as I myself change and grow, I am looking forward to achieving most by the time I reach the young age of 101.

I was born and raised in Santa Barbara, CA by hard-working Mexican parents and a compassionate and perseverant Mother.  

I lived in Los Angeles for 15 years, Ojai Valley for 6 years and in 2014 after 20 years, returned to my hometown of SB.

I completed my education through SBCC, LMU and UCLA. I received my Master's in Social Work in 1997 and became an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in 2009. I have worked successfully with clients from all ethnicities and across all socio-economic levels. I am also fluent in Spanish. 

To learn more about my clinical work which is currently 100% virtual (video or phone sessions), please visit my profile at Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/117450

I have also been through times of discontent, despair, depression, doubt, extreme stress and overwhelm. And know what it's like to feel stuck, lonely, confused, unsure and scared. Sharing what I have learned with others who like myself, know there is more to Life than what most of us are living, brings me great joy and fulfillment. 

If you are looking for a place to be validated, to be understood, to cry, to laugh, to have fun, a place to educate yourself, empower yourself, a place to find strength, courage, hope, meaning and ultimately identify and move towards understanding, growth, strength/resiliency, healing and transformation then I look forward to helping you on your Journey,

 Dreams without faith are fantasies. Dreams with faith become possibilities.  

Maria "Mari" Hernandez, LCSW