Maria Istre

Maria Salazar Istre is the owner, CEO, and Clinical Director of Tree of Life Counseling and Consulting in the Acadiana Area. Istre works with ethnic and linguistic minorities, focusing on trauma recovery, PTSD, and complex trauma, including sexual assault and race-based trauma.

Istre's background as a Las Vegas native and child of immigrant parents informs her work. She earned her Master of Science in Counselor Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Her experience includes supporting military personnel and first responders, reinforced by her certification as a First Responder Counselor.

Istre employs evidence based treatments such as Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing and Narrative Exposure Therapy. Clients can expect a comprehensive approach, with bilingual services available for the Latinx community. Istre also integrates spirituality and offers Christian Counseling upon request, ensuring a personalized therapeutic experience.