There’s a reason this practice is called Holding Hope; when I was in a dark place, Mara was the one who held hope for me when I couldn’t hold it myself. She knew I was capable of getting it back and helped me help myself gently and without judgement. I wouldn’t be the best version of myself that I am today if I didn’t have Mara in my corner, ready whenever I need a little extra hope.
I’ve been seeing Mara for nearly 4 years. I’d never gone to a therapist before, and was skeptical and a little nervous at first. I’ve found Mara to be incredibly open and honest, insightful, and above all else- compassionate. She’s helped me to not only confront the challenges I was facing, but also to understand myself better. I look forward to our sessions every week, and now I trust Mara as much as I trust the people closest to me. I couldn’t ask for a better therapist.
When I first met Mara, I immediately felt comfortable and at ease during what was a very tumultuous time in my life. Over the past few years, she has guided me on a productive and exploratory journey that has deeply affected the way I approach my life on a daily basis. Mara also helped me to fully understand the true value of therapy — in my own life and the lives of others.
For years I struggled trying to find the “right” therapist. After my first session with Mara – I knew it would be different. It truly felt like talking to a knowledgeable but curious close friend. A friend who was completely and totally invested in my growth and emotional healing. Since beginning my sessions with Mara four years ago, I have felt less alone. I know Mara cares about me, as a whole person – not just her patient, and that has truly been a game changer in my path to healing and self-acceptance.
I reached out to Mara when I was at a really low point – the kind of place where it’s difficult to ask for help from existing friends and family, let alone talk to a new therapist about what’s going on with you. I dropped Mara into the middle of the story during our introduction call (totally in tears, which would normally feel a little embarrassing for a first-time conversation), and she immediately put me at ease, and made me feel seen, understood, and empathized with.
Kate has been an incredible support system for me over the last year. Having been in therapy prior to choosing Holding Hope, I see a marked difference in Kate’s approach. Typically, I’ll come to my sessions in a jumble of preoccupying thoughts and anxiety; and somehow within that hour, she helps me parse out the noise and focus on what is actually going on. I feel seen, heard, and most importantly, supported. It never comes from a place of judgement, rather, a place of compassion where I don’t feel so alone.
I am eternally grateful that I have had the privilege to work with Melissa for the better part of three years. She has helped me grow and change my behavior in ways I thought were impossible due to deep rooted bad habits and some role models that haven’t been so positive. I sincerely recommend her guidance and friendship to anyone- but get ready for some deep (and sometimes difficult) introspection!
Nicole and the Holding Hope office have done an incredible job making the therapy process not only easy, but something my wife and I look forward to. Nicole is kind and compassionate and has a depth of understanding and experience that shows in her ability to connect and understand the pushes and pulls in our marriage. Starting any new therapy can be daunting, especially under the circumstances that most couples find themselves seeking help – Nicole was able to quickly break down our barriers and get to the root of our problems.
Working with Nicole has given me a greater understanding of myself and my thought process. Our conversations have created clarity around emotions and experiences I’ve struggled to comprehend. I am proud of the work I’ve done with Nicole and am grateful for her patience, compassion and support.
Nicole is empathetic, professional, kind, and I really can’t say enough positive things about her and our sessions – she picked up my story right in the middle, right when I was trying to cope with and understand something that was actively painful and stressful and ongoing. She lets me take sessions at my own pace, asks useful and insightful questions, and makes me feel very comfortable showing up to session in whatever state I am in, and lets me lead the dance of whatever I need on that specific day.