Mallory Marra

Before becoming a therapist, I spent several years as a middle and high school teacher and later worked in curriculum design and educator coaching. My interest in how people learn, grow, and adapt eventually led me to counseling. I now work with adults navigating grief and loss, anxiety and worry, and significant life transitions.

I have a particular interest in helping people adjust to experiences that have changed how they see themselves or their lives. This may include the loss of someone important, changes in health or relationships, caregiving, or other major life transitions. Together, we can make sense of what you’re experiencing, understand what you need during this season of your life, and find ways to move forward while honoring what you’ve been through.

I believe therapy works best as a collaborative process, and I’ll often ask questions that help us look beneath the surface and better understand the patterns, beliefs, or worries that may be keeping you stuck.

My approach is integrative and draws from cognitive behavioral, acceptance-based, and existential therapies. Along with practical strategies for managing worry and navigating uncertainty, I incorporate meaning-making and exploration of what matters most to you. While the past can help us understand how you got here and the future can help clarify where you want to go, I place particular emphasis on what is happening in your life now. In sessions, we may slow down and notice what is coming up in the moment, using those experiences to better understand emotions and patterns and identify meaningful ways forward. In grief work, I don’t view the goal as “getting over” a loss. Instead, we may explore how to make space for grief, find meaning, maintain meaningful connections, and reconnect with the parts of life that matter to you.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin understanding what brings you to therapy, what you’re navigating, and what you hope to gain from our work together. I may ask about important relationships, past experiences, and previous therapy or supports to better understand your situation. The first few sessions also allow us to explore your goals, get an initial sense of whether we’re a good fit, and consider how I can best support you.