supporting growth, healing, and resilience one stage at a time
Meet Maria Gomez-Czaja, LCSW
The name Etapas means “stages,” and it reflects my commitment to walking alongside clients as they navigate change, uncertainty, and growth.
Whether you are a parent concerned about your teen, a woman adjusting to the emotional complexities of motherhood, or a caregiver to a loved one with dementia carrying the weight of ongoing grief, you don’t have to do this alone.
My role is to offer a safe, supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and validated as you or your family navigate life’s most challenging stages. Through my culturally-responsive, evidence-based approach to therapy, my clients are able to successfully navigate big transitions with greater clarity and confidence.
My work is deeply shaped by my professional and personal journey. I am a licensed clinical social worker who has worked for over a decade in schools and with the Alzheimer’s Association. Personally, I have experienced a challenging journey to motherhood beginning with IVF and miscarriage.
I specialize in working with adolescents, women navigating fertility and early motherhood, and caregivers coping with grief, including dementia-related and anticipatory loss. These transitions can bring anxiety, overwhelm, identity shifts, and emotions that often feel confusing or isolating.
Even in the most difficult stages, there is room for healing and I would be honored to walk alongside you in that process.
Core Values
At Etapas Therapy, my work is grounded in compassion, cultural responsiveness, collaboration, and empowerment. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel safe to be yourself and are supported as you share your story and struggles.
I value the importance of your unique background and experiences, and I tailor therapy to honor who you are and what matters most to you. Together, we work at your pace to increase insight, strengthen coping skills, and help you feel more confident navigating life’s challenges.
Above all, I believe that every stage of life deserves care and attention, and I am committed to supporting you through moments of change, growth, and transition.
Services Offered
At Etapas Therapy, my practice is centered on one core belief: every stage of life deserves care, attention, and support.
I provide individual therapy for adolescents, caregivers, and women navigating fertility and motherhood. No matter what stage you are in, you deserve a space where you can show up exactly as you are without pressure or judgment.
Therapy for Adolescents in Middle and High School
Having worked in schools, I understand the support that teens need to navigate the emotional ups and downs of growing up. Together, my teen clients and I build their confidence, increase their ability to express themselves, and help them feel control over their world.
I have particular expertise in helping middle and high school students experiencing stress, anxiety, life transitions, emotional regulation, and identity development. In our work together, my teen clients grow in their ability to handle school pressure, friendship challenges, family conflict, communication skills, and more.
Therapy for Dementia Caregivers
I am here to support you as you care for your aging loved one so that you don't lose yourself in the process. What you will find in our therapy sessions together is a space to finally receive care yourself.
We will work together to process grief, anticipatory loss, guilt, stress, overwhelm, and role changes. You will become empowered to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and navigate challenging family dynamics.
Caregiver burnout and emotional exhaustion are all too common. In our work together, you will gain the skills and support that you deserve.
Fertility, Pregnancy, and Motherhood support
There are so many diverse experiences involved in growing your family. I am here to hold space for you whatever that looks like for you.
I am here to provide compassionate care for the emotional journey into and through motherhood. This might include infertility, reproductive challenges, pregnancy-related anxiety and stress, postpartum adjustment, identity shifts, balancing motherhood and yourself, and all that comes with it.
Working together, we will ensure that you don’t feel alone, guilty, or overwhelmed.
What to Expect in Session
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, exhausted, or unsure of your next step, therapy can be a place to make sense of your experiences and begin to move forward in a way that feels right for you.
My work is collaborative and tailored to your needs. Some sessions may focus on building practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm. Other times, we may explore deeper patterns, relationships, or past experiences that are shaping how you feel today. I move at your pace, meeting you where you are in each moment.
I understand that the stages I work with—adolescence, caregiving, and the journey into motherhood—can feel isolating. You may be used to putting others first or feeling like no one fully understands what you’re going through.
In our work together, you’ll have a space that is fully yours. Etapas Therapy is not about “fixing” you. It’s about helping you reconnect with your strengths, build resilience, and feel more grounded as you navigate this stage of your life and whatever comes next.
Schedule a session
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to have everything figured out to begin. If you’re ready to explore support for the stage you’re in, I invite you to reach out to schedule a session. Together, we’ll create a space that feels safe, supportive, and focused on what matters most to you.
Please reach out if you are in Illinois and looking for virtual individual therapy. Services can be provided in both English and Spanish.
Etapas Therapy accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and private pay.
