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mara counseling

about

 
 

healing for the mind, body, and spirit

mary ashley allen, lead therapist & yoga teacher

  • I guide individuals and adults towards deeper, longer-lasting healing. I offer trauma-informed yoga services to small groups to complement traditional therapies.

    I work well with: anxiety, depression, grief/loss, trauma, spiritual/religious/existential concerns, perfectionism, troubled/conflict in relationships, guilt/shame, digging deeper into self-exploration, and more.

    I approach therapy through the lenses of: spiritual integration, somatic integration, Subtle Yoga, mindfulness, cognitive/behavioral, psychodynamic, depth, some principles of radically open DBT and traditional DBT, attachment theory, sexuality and sociocultural factors, biological/neurological factors, and more.

  • I enjoy getting creative, whether that means sewing, writing poetry, or playing around with art supplies.

    When I can or want to, I love to read for fun and to learn, gravitating towards sci-fi and fantasy as well as spiritual texts and self-help books.

    I’m my healthiest self when I’m moving which often looks like weightlifting, practicing mindful movement or yoga, being outside, or playing with my dog.

    I love to indulge in sweets. Ice cream is a favorite, and I’m always watching baking shows to learn more and get inspired.

    I’m married and live in Greenville and am originally from the metro Atlanta area.

  • I attended graduate school at Richmont Graduate University where I received my MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and certificate in Christian Sex Therapy. My undergraduate degree is a BA in Spanish Literature and Culture from the University of Georgia.

    I am licensed in the state of South Carolina as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and my license number is 8144. I’m also licensed as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in Colorado and my license number there is 0019851 .

    My yoga training took place through Subtle Yoga. I am credentialed as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) through Yoga Alliance. I have also received formal and private training in internal family systems, sensorimotor techniques, EMDR, somatic experiencing, applied polyvagal theory, principles of spiritual direction, brief psychodynamic interventions, depth psychology, psychoanalytic techniques, and more to come I’m sure!

 
 

Mara Counseling

Who hasn’t googled the meaning of their name? When I did, I learned Mary most likely originated in the word Mara, meaning bitter or bitter sea. For me, the name Mara evokes images of choppy and calm surface waters, as well as gently undulating depth—to me, this mirrors the nature of life.
I’m hoping Mara Counseling can offer a safe space to explore and restore your untapped abilities and find balance within your mind, body, and soul.

 
 
 
 

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