Maria Raikova

Maria is a Licensed Social Worker who graduated with her Master’s in Social Work

from UIC. Before joining the Cutting Edge team, Maria worked at a non-profit agency

providing individual counseling to a wide range of clients, both in age and presenting

issues. Prior to this, Maria served as an intern at Alternatives Chicago, concentrating

on substance use and prevention among youth. During this time, she also engaged in

valuable research to analyze the effectiveness of the agency's programs. Maria also

gained experience as an intern at Wheeling High School, where she ensured the

well-being of both general and special education students. In addition to managing

crisis situations, Maria facilitated groups and organized monthly community outreach

events, showcasing her commitment to holistic support within educational settings.

Maria specializes in working with children, teens, and adults who struggle with

anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, executive functioning, self-esteem, and more. She

utilizes a strengths-based approach when working with clients, as well as therapeutic

modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and MI. Maria believes that every client is the

expert of their own life and knows their situation best. With that being said, the

therapeutic experience is collaborative and a client will always be heard because there

is always something that can be learned from one another.

In her free time, Maria loves to travel and learn about new cultures, read thrillers, and

try new restaurants with her friends. Maria speaks 5 languages – her native Bulgarian,

Serbian, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese.