- Client-centered
- Goal focused
- Strengths based
About Mara
Mara Chiles is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who practices in New York and has more than two decades of clinical experience. She supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflict, parenting concerns, addiction, trauma, and long-term health challenges. Mara also helps people dealing with caregiver strain, aging parent issues, chronic illness, and career concerns.
Her approach is grounded in listening and practical collaboration. Sessions focus on identifying a person’s strengths and setting clear, agreed-on goals. She blends active listening with compassion and straightforward guidance to help people take steps that feel doable.
Mara uses a mix of cognitive behavioral ideas and psychodynamic thinking to help people understand patterns and try new behaviors. She also draws on client-centered methods to keep the conversation focused on each person’s needs, and she sometimes incorporates mindfulness and narrative techniques to help people manage stress and reframe difficult experiences.
As a social worker Mara connects clients to community resources and supports when that helps a plan work better. That can include assistance around caregiving, aging concerns, illness-related needs, or other practical matters that affect emotional health.
Mara aims for a whole-person view that balances immediate coping strategies with longer-term change. Her style is warm and direct, with an emphasis on building skills and supports people can use after sessions end.
Her approach is grounded in listening and practical collaboration. Sessions focus on identifying a person’s strengths and setting clear, agreed-on goals. She blends active listening with compassion and straightforward guidance to help people take steps that feel doable.
Mara uses a mix of cognitive behavioral ideas and psychodynamic thinking to help people understand patterns and try new behaviors. She also draws on client-centered methods to keep the conversation focused on each person’s needs, and she sometimes incorporates mindfulness and narrative techniques to help people manage stress and reframe difficult experiences.
As a social worker Mara connects clients to community resources and supports when that helps a plan work better. That can include assistance around caregiving, aging concerns, illness-related needs, or other practical matters that affect emotional health.
Mara aims for a whole-person view that balances immediate coping strategies with longer-term change. Her style is warm and direct, with an emphasis on building skills and supports people can use after sessions end.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorder
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHospice and end-of-life counselingIntellectual disabilityLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic Therapy
Experience
22+ years
Credentials
New York
Languages
English
How Mara’s approaches fit online care
Mara combines client-centered listening, cognitive behavioral approaches, and mindfulness ideas to help people manage stress and long-term life changes. Client-centered work focuses on what matters to the person and builds goals from their strengths. Cognitive behavioral techniques look at thoughts and behaviors and teach practical skills to reduce anxiety or depressive patterns. Mindfulness methods teach attention and breathing exercises that can help with stress, pain, and emotional ups and downs.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Mara will discuss goals, try methods that fit the person’s needs, and adjust over time. That collaborative process makes it easier to blend brief skills practice with deeper reflection when that is helpful.
Please confirm available session options before booking, as formats are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, shorten travel time, and allow quick check-ins between appointments. Some approaches lend themselves to short skills practice or homework, which can be convenient when juggling caregiving, work, or medical appointments.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Mara address?
Mara supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflicts, addictions, trauma, parenting challenges, bipolar concerns, and health-related life stressors.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style combines active listening with compassionate feedback and practical steps. She focuses on a person’s strengths and sets shared goals to guide sessions.
What is her professional background?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 22 years of experience and a graduate of Hunter School of Social Work in New York City.
Where does she practice and what credential does she hold?
She practices in New York and holds an LCSW, licensed in New York.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Mara?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist’s availability.