I do this work because I feel called to support people through the messy-but-worth-it journey of healing, and toward a cultivation of the joy and contentment they deserve.

I also believe that: 

  • A genuine therapeutic relationship is the most crucial element in this process. If therapy hasn’t worked well for you in the past, it’s very likely that the therapist wasn’t the right fit for you. My first priority is to create a space that allows my clients to feel seen, understood, and cared for.

  • You’re doing the best that you can with the tools you currently have. I like to imagine that we all carry around our own personal toolboxes everywhere we go. In yours, maybe you have a nice hammer, some pliers, and a couple of screwdrivers. You may be great with those tools, but what happens when a situation comes up that calls for a power drill? Well, you can either overwork yourself and struggle to the point of defeat trying to use your existing tools… or you can seek out some new tools and some help. This is how I see the process of therapy: you’ve done the best you can with the tools that you have, but sometimes a challenge calls for additional tools and more than just you on your own. Let’s get to work, shall we? 🛠

  • While you may not have caused all of your problems, you have to be the one to solve them. And that sucks. It’s not fair that you have to be the one to heal yourself from the wounds others inflict on you (often due to their own unhealed wounds) or systems that are inherently unjust and broken. In therapy, we can make space for you to feel everything you need to about your pain— and we can work toward creating the change you want to see in your life.

My purpose at The Gaia Center is to help you heal where you’re hurting and develop the tools you need to move through life as the joyful, magical, fully-alive human that you are.

I work with adults, teens, and couples navigating trauma, grief, relationship challenges, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and identity/self-worth issues. I take a holistic, client-centered approach, and integrate mindfulness, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), Brainspotting, Gottman Method, and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy).

Human First:

When I’m not working, you can find me kicking a bag (#completingthestresscycle), inhaling queso with friends, and watching every psychological thriller Netflix has to offer. I also live for the summer months and love to kayak, swim, and get to the beach any chance I get!

Credentials:

Mary completed her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Trevecca Nazarene University. She is working toward full LPC-MHSP licensure, under the supervision of Valerie Martin, LCSW.

LET’S TALK:

Do you want to schedule an initial session or phone consultation with Mary? Fill out the form on our contact page, or reach out to us at hello@gaiacenter.co or 615.270.8117 (call or text). We’ll respond within 24 business hours.

Like all Gaia Center clinicians, Mary is out of network with insurance (read our FAQ page for more on that). Her rate for an individual 50-minute session is $135 (couples: $155), and $200 for a 75-minute session (couples: $230). Mary reserves several reduced-fee spots for clients in financial need; you can inquire to see if any of these spots are available.