mara counseling
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about
healing for the mind, body, and spirit
mary ashley allen, lead therapist & yoga teacher
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After being in my orbit long enough, you'll notice I have an unwavering belief that everything belongs. My clients feel this. Through my deep sensitivity and attunement, we can guide you through what's scrambled back to a truer, more you-er self. Because I think you need that Self, just as much as the world does, as much as I do.
It may sound a bit dramatic, though it's true: I ache to see you taking up space in the world, belonging written deeply on your heart and in your actions.
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I guide clients towards deeper, longer-lasting healing.
I work well with concerns like: anxiety, attention/focus, depression, digging deeper into self-awareness, grief/loss, trauma, guilt/shame, overwhelm, people-pleasing, perfectionism, spiritual/religious/existential concerns, getting stuck in fight/flight/freeze, troubled/conflict in relationships, and more.
I approach therapy through the lenses of: spiritual integration, somatic integration, Subtle Yoga, mindfulness, cognitive/behavioral, psychodynamic, attachment theories, depth, some principles of radically open DBT and traditional DBT, attachment theory, sexuality and sociocultural factors, biological/neurological factors, and more.
I offer trauma-informed yoga services to small groups, couples, and individuals to complement traditional therapies.
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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.
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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, accelerated reprocessing, 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 depths—to me, this mirrors the nature of life.
I’m hoping Mara Counseling can offer a safe space to explore and restore your untapped potential and to find balance within your mind, body, and soul.