Mara Chiles
Experienced LCSW guiding practical, compassionate change
LCSW New York
- Experience
- 22 years in practice
- Focus areas
- Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief
- Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
- Languages
- English
About Mara
Mara Chiles is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New York with 22 years of clinical experience.
Background and approach
She works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship struggles, addictions, trauma and abuse, parenting concerns, self-esteem difficulties, career questions, bipolar disorder, and a wide range of family and caregiving challenges. Her practice also addresses issues such as abandonment, blended family dynamics, aging and geriatric concerns, chronic illness and pain, and substance-related problems.
Her therapeutic stance blends active listening with empathy and practical collaboration. Mara draws on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) alongside client-centered and psychodynamic ideas to help clients identify strengths, set agreed-upon goals, and build skills for lasting change.
She also brings mindfulness and narrative approaches into sessions when they fit the client’s needs, and she connects people to community systems and resources when additional supports are helpful. Mara frames therapy as a holistic, empowering process aimed at long-term resilience rather than quick fixes.
She invites prospective clients to view growth as ongoing and to take part in shaping treatment, offering an encouraging presence for those ready to work toward meaningful change.
Practical approaches for online healing and growth
Client-centered therapy emphasizes the client's own experience and strengths, offering a collaborative, empathetic environment where goals are shaped together and personal resources are emphasized. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and teaching practical skills for reducing symptoms like anxiety, depression, and stress; it often involves structured exercises and skill-building between sessions. Mindfulness therapy brings attention to the present moment through simple awareness practices that can reduce reactivity and support coping with grief, chronic pain, or relationship difficulties.Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Mara works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She integrates techniques as appropriate, adapts pacing to each person, and invites feedback so the work stays relevant and actionable.
Online sessions are available via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, which allows scheduling flexibility and makes it easier to access care from different locations. These formats support ongoing skill practice and check-ins between in-person commitments, making it practical to pursue therapy alongside work, caregiving, or other responsibilities.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Mara commonly address in therapy?
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
How much clinical experience does she have?
What are her credentials and where is she located?
Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?
Which session formats are available for online work?
How is pricing handled for therapy sessions?
What steps are needed to begin working together?
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
22+ years
Licensed
New York
Languages
English