About Me – Let it Shine Counseling

Hi, I’m Mary; welcome to Let it Shine Counseling! I’m so glad you’ve found my page.
You must have questions about what it would be like to work with me, or about therapy in general. Please reach out to me today– 352.234.8159 (call or text). I would love to hear from you.

Get to Know Me

Every therapist has their own unique style… so what’s mine? I would describe it as down to earth, compassionate, and open. I will open my heart to you and give you unconditional empathy, while challenging and *gently* pushing you in the direction of your goals. You will feel supported, listened-to, and challenged in working with me.

I try to be the therapist that I would want for myself

When considering my own therapy experience, I want a mix of intellectual understanding and full-body emotional understanding. I want a mix of open, compassionate listening, with gentle confrontation and challenging of my world view. I want acceptance and exploration of ALL of me with no judgments and open compassion. I want a therapist that is present and grounded. Therefore, I try my very best to create that experience for all clients. I try my best to care for myself so that I can be present, grounded, and mindful in session, so that I can hold the space you need and deserve for healing.

Common concerns of individuals that I help:

- Emotional/Psychological/Physical Abuse

- Effects of childhood trauma

- Effects of episodic trauma

- Depression

- Anxiety

- Relationship issues

- Family issues

- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Education, Licenses, Trainings–

- M.S.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Illinois University in May of 2018

- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida
- Trauma-informed via trainings and readings in somatic psychotherapy, trauma-informed yoga, polyvagal theory, somatic experiencing, NARM, etc.

- Completed training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

- Trained in ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention)

- Trained as an LGBTQ+ Ally

- Completed a 30-hour training on crisis intervention skills for the national Crisis Text Line services

If You’re Curious…

Just a little more about me in case you’re curious…

I believe mental health is just as important as physical health, and I believe in breaking down the barriers surrounding seeking help and support. We often have unrealistic beliefs about what is means to be human and what is part of a “normal” life. I have spent a lot of my time learning philosophy and theories of psychology and personally believe that there is not “one” right way of being in this world. I have volunteered with the Crisis Text Line where I helped individuals in crisis cope in the moment to be able to move to the next moment safely. I have been trained as an LGBTQ+ ally and am trained in suicide intervention skills and dialectical behavior therapy.

My partner and I are avid rock collectors and we love to do anything outdoors including hiking, canoeing, or spending the day at the beach. Some of my favorite things to do are painting, yoga, drinking delicious coffee and eating different foods. I love listening to a variety of music, and of course reading books on psychology and counseling theories.