Mara Chiles, LCSW - Therapist in New York

About Mara

Mara Chiles is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 22 years of practice in New York. She helps people who are stressed, anxious, grieving, depressed, or facing relationship and parenting challenges. She also supports those dealing with addiction, trauma, self-esteem struggles, career questions, and bipolar concerns.

Her approach is direct and practical, aimed at making day-to-day life feel more manageable. Mara listens closely and uses empathy to understand each person’s situation.

Background and approach

She focuses on strengths and helps set clear, agreed-upon goals. Sessions are collaborative and grounded in simple strategies that people can try between meetings. She trained at Hunter School of Social Work in New York City and has spent decades working in clinical and community settings.

Beyond talk therapy, she connects people to helpful systems and resources when needed. That combination of counseling and practical support is part of how she helps clients move forward. Mara uses a mix of methods, including cognitive behavioral tools, psychodynamic ideas, narrative work, client-centered care, and mindfulness techniques.

She adapts these tools to fit each person rather than applying a single formula. The goal is steady, realistic progress rather than quick fixes. The tone in her sessions balances compassion with clear guidance.

She acknowledges that change is hard and treats setbacks as part of the process. Parents and adults looking for steady, experienced support will find a straightforward, resource-focused clinician in Mara Chiles, LCSW.

Therapeutic approaches and online care that fit your life

Mara draws on cognitive behavioral therapy and client-centered therapy in her online work. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on noticing unhelpful thoughts and changing behaviors that keep problems stuck, which can help with anxiety, depression, and stress. Client-centered therapy centers the person’s own goals and experience, offering empathy and support while partners create practical plans for daily life.

She approaches treatment as a collaborative process. Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work together, and she tailors techniques to each person’s needs and preferences. Clients are invited to weigh in on goals, try tools, and adjust the plan over time rather than following a preset path.

Online sessions are offered through video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit busy schedules. These formats make it easier to meet from home, coordinate around parenting duties, or follow up between appointments. The flexible options support continuity of care and make regular check-ins more manageable for people juggling work and family.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Mindfulness Therapy

Attention training: noticing thoughts and physical feelings as they arrive without being carried off by them. Much of it is practice you do yourself, so guidance over video or audio works much as it would in person.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she address?

Mara works with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationship and parenting issues, addictions, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, career challenges, bipolar disorder, and many family-related concerns.

What is her therapeutic style like?

She combines active listening with empathy and practical guidance. Sessions focus on strengths, clear goals, and tools clients can use between appointments.

How long has she practiced?

She has 22 years of experience working in clinical and community settings in New York, including counseling and connecting people to resources.

What are her credentials and where is she located?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, NY LCSW R055834-1, practicing in New York.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

What session formats are offered?

Sessions are available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How are costs and scheduling handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Grief

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 22 years
Licensed: New York
Languages: English

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