- Client-centered approach
- Cognitive behavioral work
- Resource navigation
About Mara
Mara Chiles is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New York with 22 years of experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, depression, addictions, family concerns, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, self-esteem struggles, career questions, and bipolar disorder. Mara also focuses on issues such as abandonment, aging and geriatric matters, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, codependency, and communication problems.
Her sessions begin with listening to what matters most to the client. She asks about strengths and daily realities, and then helps set clear, shared goals. Conversations are practical and direct, with attention to both feelings and steps forward. She sometimes integrates Christian-based perspectives when appropriate.
Mara draws on client-centered methods to prioritize the person’s perspective. She also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify patterns that keep someone stuck. Psychodynamic and narrative ideas help people look at past influences and the stories they tell about themselves.
She has substantial experience helping adults manage transitions such as caring for aging parents or adjusting after loss. As a social worker she can also connect people to external resources and systems when extra support is needed. Her approach mixes listening, practical tools, and resource navigation.
Sessions are aimed at steady change rather than quick fixes. Mara frames progress as ongoing work and helps clients build skills and supports that fit their daily life. She practices in New York and conducts work in English.
Therapeutic approaches and online sessions
Mara uses client-centered therapy, which centers conversations on the person’s concerns and priorities. This approach focuses on listening, identifying strengths, and agreeing on goals together. It helps people clarify what they want to change and why.She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to work on the thoughts and behaviors that maintain distress. CBT includes practical exercises and small experiments to test different ways of thinking and acting, useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. A narrative or psychodynamic perspective may be used to look at life patterns and the stories people carry when deeper context is helpful.
Finding the best mix of approaches is part of early sessions. The therapist works collaboratively with each client to decide which methods match their needs, goals, and preferences. That process can be adjusted as work unfolds.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to schedule appointments around daily life, manage shorter check-ins on busy days, and avoid travel time. If you prefer certain practical arrangements for sessions, mention them during the matching questionnaire so they can be discussed before your first meeting.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
22+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Mara help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, grief, depression, addictions, trauma and related issues listed in her profile.
How would she approach feelings of guilt or shame?
She typically listens first, then uses client-centered conversation and cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and practical steps.
What is her background and experience?
She has 22 years of experience and graduated from Hunter School of Social Work in New York.
What credentials and location are on record?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in New York and practices in New York.
Does she work in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.