Meet Maria Jose (MJ) Falcon Gimenez, MHC-LP
MJ is supervised by Lauren Larkin, LMHC, NY #012386-01
Hi! I’m MJ (she/her/ella), a Mental Health Counselor. I’m glad you’re here!
I’m a virtual, bilingual, Spanish speaking NYC therapist who focuses on my relationship with my clients! With this in mind, I strive to keep communication open about what feels comfortable and achievable during all phases of our work together. My clients are in the drivers seat in terms of what they want to disclose and when they choose to disclose it. I make it a priority to remind my clients of this.
Therapeutic Approach
MJ is a relational therapist who tailors her approach to each client's individual needs. She draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), positive psychology, and evidenced-based mindfulness techniques, fostering a collaborative environment where her clients feel empowered to express their thoughts and guide their therapeutic journey. She emphasizes the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship and works alongside her clients to create a comfortable, open, and trusting space.
MJ believes that therapy is not just a tool to alleviate negative symptoms but also a space to thrive and grow. She encourages clients to explore what living authentically means for them and works together with them on this journey. By addressing both the past and present, she helps clients uncover how their life experiences shape their current behaviors and perspectives, facilitating deeper self-understanding and growth.
Specialties & Interests
As a first generation immigrant, MJ is passionate about working with Latinx individuals and other minority groups, understanding firsthand the cultural stigma often associated with seeking mental health support. Her specialties include life transitions, acculturation challenges, relationship issues, anxiety, and depression. MJ is also particularly interested in working with first-time therapy clients, especially men and those from cultures where therapy is not widely accepted.
MJ works with clients aged 16 and up and is dedicated to supporting immigrants, Latinx individuals, BIPOC communities, trauma survivors, and people experiencing depression and anxiety. As a bilingual, Spanish speaking therapist, she provides therapy in both English and Spanish.
Education & Credentials
MJ earned her Ed.M in Bilingual Clinical Mental Health Counseling and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, where she graduated in 2024. Prior to that, she completed her undergraduate studies at Wake Forest University in 2021, earning dual B.A. degrees in Psychology and Communications.
Professional Development
MJ is committed to continual learning and professional growth. She regularly attends workshops and seeks supervision while staying updated with the latest research and techniques in the field.
Her Inspiration to Become a Therapist
Growing up in Mexico, MJ experienced firsthand the stigma surrounding mental health in her family and community. This inspired her to become a therapist who provides culturally competent care, helping individuals who may not feel fully understood in traditional therapeutic settings. MJ is driven by a desire to offer a safe, supportive space for clients to explore their emotions and experiences, free from judgment.
When MJ Isn’t Working
MJ enjoys photography, collaging, and exploring New York City's parks. She has a Siamese cat named Luna, who runs the household with her sassy personality! MJ loves watching documentaries and indulging in reality TV. As for music, she appreciates a wide variety of genres and enjoys when others share their favorite tunes with her, although she has yet to embrace screamo!
Schedule a free consultation today!
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Schedule a free consultation today! ✦
To get connected with MJ, you can fill out our Contact Form or email her directly at mj@leltherapy.com.
Services Offered at LEL Therapy:
LEL Therapy is a completely virtual therapy practice offering mental health counseling services in New York. Our therapists are relational therapists who specialize in therapy for all types of eating disorders, including but not limited to Anorexia, Binge Eating Disorder, ARFID, Bulimia, Disordered Eating, and body image concerns. We are experts in couples therapy/relationship therapy, offering support to all types of relationships — romantic, platonic, familial, etc. We specialize in trauma therapy. We offer group therapy for survivors of sexual assault. And we treat anxiety and general mental health conditions. We would love to help you on your mental health journey.