“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” — Carl Jung
Mental and relational wellness are about creating a balanced and fulfilling life where we understand and care for ourselves, build meaningful connections, and navigate life’s challenges with resilience and hope.
Whether you are a teenager facing the challenges of growing up, an individual seeking personal growth and healing, or a couple preparing for marriage, I provide a warm, supportive space where you can gain insight, develop practical skills, and move toward the life and relationships you want.
Teen Therapy
Adolescence is a time of tremendous growth, change, and self-discovery. It can also be a season marked by anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, friendship challenges, family conflict, academic stress, and uncertainty about the future.
As a therapist, I help teens better understand themselves, navigate difficult emotions, strengthen relationships, and build confidence in who they are becoming. My approach to teen therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each adolescent’s unique needs.
Drawing from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), attachment- based interventions, and mindfulness-based strategies, I help teens develop practical coping skills, improve emotional regulation, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and increase resilience.
Together, we will work to build self-awareness, confidence, healthy communication skills, and a stronger sense of identity. I believe that every teen deserves a space where they feel heard, understood, and accepted. My goal is to help adolescents develop the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and emotional well-being.
Individual Therapy
Life can be challenging, overwhelming, and uncertain at times. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, stress, grief, or a major life transition, therapy can provide a space to better understand yourself, process your experiences, and develop the tools needed to move forward with greater confidence and resilience. I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults who are seeking meaningful change and personal growth.
Together, we will explore the thoughts, emotions, experiences, and patterns that may be contributing to your current challenges. Through this process, you will gain greater self-awareness, strengthen your coping skills, and develop a deeper understanding of your needs, values, and goals. My approach to individual therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique circumstances. I draw from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), attachment-based interventions, and mindfulness-based strategies.
Therapy is not simply about reducing symptoms. It is about helping you build a life that feels authentic, balanced, and fulfilling. In our work together, you will learn practical strategies to manage difficult emotions, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, improve relationships, build self-confidence, and navigate life’s challenges more effectively. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to make lasting changes that align with the life you want to create.
Premarital Counseling
A strong marriage begins with a strong foundation. Premarital counseling offers couples the opportunity to intentionally strengthen their relationship before marriage by addressing potential challenges, improving communication, and deepening emotional connection.
In our work together, we will explore important areas such as communication styles, conflict resolution, emotional intimacy, expectations for marriage, finances, family relationships, shared values, spirituality, future goals, and decision-making. Couples will gain a deeper understanding of themselves and each other while developing skills to navigate challenges as a team.
My premarital counseling approach integrates evidence-based relationship research from the Gottman Method and PREPARE/ENRICH. These approaches help couples identify strengths, address growth areas, and build the relationship skills necessary for a healthy, lasting marriage. You will learn practical tools to communicate effectively, manage conflict constructively, strengthen friendship and intimacy, and create a shared vision for your future together.
Premarital counseling is not only about preventing problems, it is about helping couples build a secure, resilient relationship that can thrive through life’s inevitable challenges and transitions.
My Approach
Whether I am working with teens, individuals, or couples, I strive to create a therapeutic relationship built on trust, safety, authenticity, and collaboration. I believe meaningful change happens when clients feel genuinely understood, accepted, and supported while also being challenged to grow.
My approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and practical. Together, we will explore emotions, identify patterns, build new skills, and create achievable goals that align with your values and hopes for the future. Therapy is not about fixing what is broken. It is about developing greater self-awareness, strengthening relationships, and creating a more fulfilling life.
More About Me
My clients describe me as deeply warm, empathetic, and easy to talk to. They
appreciate my ability to provide both emotional support and practical strategies while creating a space where they feel comfortable, understood, and cared for. Building trust and helping clients feel genuinely seen and heard is one of the most important aspects of my work.
I earned my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Colorado State University and have experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families across a variety of settings. My work is grounded in evidence-based practices while remaining flexible to each client’s unique needs and goals.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, exercising, traveling, and making memories with family and friends. I also love spending time with my Golden Retriever puppy. Anything involving water, whether swimming, paddleboarding, boating, or simply relaxing by the beach, is one of my favorite ways to recharge.
Specialties
- Teen therapy for anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, emotional regulation, school stress, friendship challenges, family conflict, and life transitions
- Individual therapy for anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship concerns, grief and loss, stress management, emotional regulation, and personal growth
- Premarital counseling focused on communication, conflict resolution, emotional connection, shared values, relationship readiness, faith integration (if applicable), and building a strong foundation for marriage
- Young adults navigating identity development, life transitions, career concerns, and relationship challenges
Education
- Master of Science, Human Development and Family Studies with a Concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), Colorado State University
- Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Colorado State University
Advanced Clinical Training
- Intensive Course in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Attachment-Based Interventions for Couples in Crisis with Dr. Sue Johnson
- EFT Tango Mastery Training with Jonathan Zalesne, LPC
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Advanced Training with Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Gottman
- Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) Certified
Contact me to schedule a free consultation or a session (I offer in-person sessions in Fort Collins or online sessions anywhere in Colorado):
Mary@marriagecounselingfortcollins.com
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