- Grief and loss
- Stress and anxiety
- Caregiver support
About Mara
Mara Chiles is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New York who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, addictions, and relationship struggles. She also supports those managing parenting challenges, caregiving strain, chronic illness, aging parents, and issues around self-esteem or career changes. With 22 years of practice, she brings steady experience to difficult life moments.
Her approach is conversational and practical. She listens closely, asks questions to clarify what matters, and focuses on a person’s strengths. Together with the client she sets clear goals and works step by step toward them.
Mara blends several ways of working in therapy. She uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior. She draws on psychodynamic ideas to notice longstanding patterns that affect current choices. Mindfulness and narrative approaches help people reduce reactivity and reframe personal stories.
As a social worker she also connects people to community resources and services when those supports are helpful. That means counseling that looks at both feelings and practical needs. She aims for a whole-person view rather than a single quick fix.
Sessions are collaborative and paced to what each person can manage. Mara emphasizes realistic steps and steady progress, and she tends to work in a calm, supportive way that helps people feel steadier over time.
Her approach is conversational and practical. She listens closely, asks questions to clarify what matters, and focuses on a person’s strengths. Together with the client she sets clear goals and works step by step toward them.
Mara blends several ways of working in therapy. She uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior. She draws on psychodynamic ideas to notice longstanding patterns that affect current choices. Mindfulness and narrative approaches help people reduce reactivity and reframe personal stories.
As a social worker she also connects people to community resources and services when those supports are helpful. That means counseling that looks at both feelings and practical needs. She aims for a whole-person view rather than a single quick fix.
Sessions are collaborative and paced to what each person can manage. Mara emphasizes realistic steps and steady progress, and she tends to work in a calm, supportive way that helps people feel steadier over time.
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 translate to online therapy
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following each person’s pace. The therapist creates space for people to talk about what matters most and helps them set goals that feel realistic. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts and actions affect mood and behavior and uses practical exercises to change patterns that cause distress.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That may mean trying one approach first and adapting as needs change, with the client helping guide those choices.
Please confirm current session options before booking, as specific formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life by removing travel time and allowing for shorter check-ins when needed. They can also help people maintain continuity of care during life transitions or when juggling caregiving or work responsibilities. Licensed professionals can discuss which session rhythm will work best and tailor the plan to everyday scheduling constraints.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Mara focus on?
She supports people with grief, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, addictions, caregiving stress, parenting challenges, chronic illness, and related concerns.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is conversational and practical, with active listening and compassion. She helps clients identify strengths and set achievable goals.
What experience does she bring?
She has 22 years of clinical experience working with a range of life challenges and transitions.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, practicing in New York.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist’s availability.