Mara Vogel

Hi! My name is Mara, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have spent the last 15 years learning how to see, understand, and support people from all different walks of life. I specialize in working with adults, and have special areas of interest in working with those who see themselves as neurodiverse. I received my Master's Degree through the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky, and was able to complete hands-on training at West Virginia University in their embedded counseling services on the Health Sciences Campus.

I view therapy as a partnership between me and each client, where we are coming together to identify and work toward goals that are going to help the client to grow and/or change in the ways that they desire. We each come into the space with our own unique knowledge and experience, and every client is truly the expert of their own life. I will bring my knowledge and experience to the table, and expect each client to do the same. My overall approach to therapy is one that is person-centered, trauma informed, and tailored to each client. I find myself lucky to have spent over a decade learning how to meet people where they are and walk with them on their unique journeys. During this time, I have also put together a diverse tool box of strategies for coping, change, and growth that we can pull from until we find the right fit for you!

I see the first session as an opportunity for each of us to get to know each other, consider if this will be a good fit, and begin to understand the role of therapy for the client in their life. I often tell people that the first session is not a typical therapy session, because we have to find our starting points first. We can discuss backgrounds, previous experiences, expectations, goals, and limitations, as well as answer questions and find common ground for moving forward. In all sessions, I work to create a space where trust can be built and a client can feel safe enough to explore topics and areas that may challenge them, but will ultimately lead to increased confidence and self-empowerment.