Dr. Mary Clisbee

Welcome. I believe that every individual has the capacity for growth, healing, and positive change when provided with the right support, tools, and environment. My approach to counseling is warm, collaborative, and empowering. I view the counseling relationship as a partnership in which we work together to identify strengths, overcome challenges, and achieve your meaningful personal goals.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with more than 20 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, families, and diverse populations. I hold a Doctoral degree in education and a Master's degree in counseling and have spent much of my career helping individuals navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, cultural adjustment, educational challenges, and personal growth.

In addition to my clinical and educational experience in the United States, I have lived and worked extensively overseas, including in Haiti, Kuwait, East Africa, Asia and other international settings. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the impact of culture, migration, language, identity, and community on mental health and well-being. I have worked with immigrants, expatriates, international students, refugees, and individuals adapting to new cultural environments, and I strive to create a counseling space that is inclusive, culturally responsive, and respectful of each person's unique experiences and worldview.

As a counselor, I recognize that clients are the experts in their own lives. My role is not to tell you what to do, but rather to help you gain insight, build resilience, develop effective coping strategies, and make informed decisions that align with your values and goals.

I welcome individuals from all backgrounds and am dedicated to providing culturally competent, evidence-informed care that honors the strengths, experiences, and aspirations of every client.

My approach to counseling is grounded in the belief that every person possesses inherent strengths, resilience, and the capacity for growth. Rather than focusing on deficits or what is "wrong," I work collaboratively with clients to identify and build upon their existing strengths, resources, and successes. I believe that meaningful and lasting change occurs when individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered to take an active role in their own healing and personal development.

I use a client-centered approach, recognizing that each person's experiences, values, culture, and goals are unique. My role is to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore challenges, gain insight, and develop practical strategies for moving forward. I view the counseling relationship as a partnership, with clients serving as the experts on their own lives.

Compassion, respect, and cultural humility are central to my practice. Having worked with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds in both the United States and internationally, I understand the importance of honoring each client's unique identity and life experiences. I strive to create an inclusive therapeutic environment where all clients feel valued and understood.

Whether clients are navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, stress, trauma, cultural adjustment, or personal growth, my goal is to help them recognize their strengths, develop resilience, and create meaningful change. Together, we work to build skills, increase self-awareness, and foster greater confidence, well-being, and fulfillment.

What to Expect During Your First Session

Beginning counseling can feel both hopeful and uncertain, and my goal is to make your first session as comfortable and welcoming as possible. The initial session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another, discuss what brings you to counseling, and begin exploring your goals, concerns, and hopes for the future.

During our first meeting, I will ask questions about your current challenges, personal history, relationships, strengths, and support systems. This conversation helps me gain a better understanding of your unique experiences and the factors that may be influencing your well-being. Equally important, it gives you an opportunity to ask questions, learn about my approach, and determine whether we are a good fit for working together.

I strive to create a warm, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment where you can speak openly and honestly. You will not be expected to share anything before you are ready. Instead, we will move at a pace that feels comfortable and appropriate for you.

Together, we will begin identifying your goals for counseling and the outcomes you would like to achieve. These goals may include reducing anxiety or stress, improving relationships, navigating a life transition, developing coping skills, building self-confidence, processing difficult experiences, or creating greater balance and fulfillment in your life. Throughout the counseling process, we will regularly revisit these goals to ensure our work remains meaningful and aligned with your needs.

By the end of the first session, most clients leave with a clearer understanding of their concerns, an initial plan for moving forward, and the reassurance that they have a supportive partner to help them navigate the challenges ahead.