Mara Chiles, LCSW

Mara Chiles is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New York who brings 22 years of clinical experience to her work. A graduate of the Hunter School of Social Work in New York City, she has supported a wide range of people through challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, parenting difficulties, and relationship conflict. She has particular experience assisting families caring for aging parents and connects clients not only through counseling but also to relevant systems and resources for ongoing support.

Mara’s therapeutic approach blends active listening with compassionate, interactive engagement. She emphasizes identifying an individual’s strengths and collaborating to set clear, achievable goals. Her clinical work incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy alongside a psycho-analytical perspective, and she has also practiced Christian-based therapy when it aligns with a client’s values. This holistic orientation is aimed at empowering people for long-term improvement rather than only short-term relief.

Recognizing that change can be difficult, Mara frames growth as an ongoing process and supports clients as they work toward being their best selves. She welcomes the opportunity to connect and begin that process together.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Mara Chiles

Mara Chiles uses client-centered therapy to create a respectful, collaborative space where the individual’s priorities guide the work - this approach focuses on listening, building on personal strengths, and setting goals that feel meaningful to the person. She also integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a practical method that examines the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to address issues like anxiety, depression, and stress-related patterns. In addition, Mara draws on psychodynamic ideas to explore how past relationships and internal patterns influence current difficulties, which can be helpful for longstanding relational and emotional concerns.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Mara works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit best given their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts techniques over time as progress unfolds and as circumstances change.

Online therapy with Mara can take place by video call, phone session, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain regular care, fit sessions into busy lives, and access licensed professionals from home or other convenient locations.