Mary Mills (She/her)

Women's issues are relevant to all individuals, including non-binary and trans individuals, who experience any combination of biological, societal, relational, or occupational challenges based on their gender identity. I work with these individuals on identifying areas of their lives where oppression prevents optimal self-expression and freedom to thrive. Counseling helps my clients become more positive about themselves and their self image, as well as increases self-advocacy and confidence.

I practice existential therapy by focusing on areas of your life in which you can promote a greater sense of meaning and purpose, interpersonal connection, freedom, and fearlessness. I embrace the discomfort of not knowing the answer to all of life's questions, and strive to help my clients ease their anxiety about the great unknowns. Realizing that life's decisions can not always be put into boxes of "right" or "wrong" helps clients become more confident and assertive about making choices.

I am not a cognitive behavioral therapist, but I do generously incorporate lessons from cognitive science into my sessions, particularly ways in which our own thinking impacts our mood and behaviors. I challenge my clients to examine areas of their lives they have the autonomy and control to change things, which usually only involves the way they think about or react to a particular situation. CBT helps my clients see their lives in perspective and gives them a greater sense of mastery.

I promote an egalitarian relationship with my clients, acknowledging they are the experts of their lives. I work with all clients, regardless of gender or sexual identity, on identifying areas of their life they experience oppression, and how it impacts their overall wellbeing. One of my greatest joys as a counselor is witnessing individuals become empowered to make choices and take actions that promote wellbeing, regardless of whether those choices are congruent with societal norms.

I am not a cognitive behavioral therapist, but I do generously incorporate lessons from cognitive science into my sessions. I challenge my clients to recognize ways in which they are contributing to their own suffering by engaging in self-defeating thoughts. CBT helps my clients recognize areas of their life they have the power and control to change, which most often include the way they think about and react to a situation. CBT helps my clients gain perspective and a sense of mastery.

I believe recovery from depression involves body, mind, and spirit. I address depression by examining patterns or events in your life that have exacerbated symptoms, and how you are navigating them. I also help you explore sources of meaning, connection, and freedom you may be neglecting, which, over time, can renew hope and generate a sense of purpose in your life. My primary objective is to understand the unique nature of your pain so it can be addressed in a manner appropriate for you.

Anxiety has the power to prevent us from pursuing the lives we want to live. I explore how anxiety is impacting your ability to live a fulfilling life, and how you can remove barriers to achieving one. I provide practical techniques to regulate physiological symptoms of anxiety, as well as examine traumas or difficult life experiences that have led to disproportionate fears. I may challenge your beliefs about your anxiety, and your ability to live with it in a functional way.