Mary Cole, LPC - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Mary Cole

Mary Cole

LPC
16 years of experience
Virtual

As a dedicated and compassionate therapist, I specialize in helping individuals navigate life’s most difficult transitions with clarity, resilience, and purpose. With extensive experience in trauma-informed care, attachment theory, and solution-focused strategies, I empower my clients to break free from limiting patterns, develop emotional regulation, and create lasting, meaningful change. Please note that I am only able to schedule appointments on the hour (i.e., 10:00 am), and cannot accommodate appointments on the half-hour (i.e., 10:30 am).

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Our first session is all about creating a safe space where you can begin to share what’s been weighing on you at your own pace. You won’t be rushed, judged, or expected to have everything figured out. This is your space, and I’m here to listen with care, curiosity, and compassion. We’ll begin by discussing what brings you to therapy and what you’re hoping to gain from the process. I may ask some thoughtful questions to better understand your background, current challenges, and goals. This gives me a clearer picture of how I can best support you and tailor our work together. I’ll also explain how therapy works, answer any questions you may have, and discuss things like confidentiality, scheduling, and what progress can look like. My goal is to make sure you leave the session feeling heard, respected, and clear about the next steps. Most importantly, the first session is about building connection and trust because meaningful growth begins with a strong therapeutic relationship. You don’t have to do this alone. You’ve already taken the first brave step by showing up and, I’m honored to walk this path with you.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

What sets my work apart is the way I combine deep empathy with practical, results-driven strategies. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. Instead, I take time to understand the whole person—your story, your strengths, your pain points—and tailor our work to fit you. Clients often tell me they feel deeply seen and emotionally safe in our sessions, even when working through difficult topics. I balance support with challenge; gently helping you dig deeper when needed while also celebrating progress along the way. What truly makes my approach stand out is a strong focus on building lasting emotional insight and equipping you with tools for everyday life. You won’t just feel better during sessions; you’ll have skills and self-awareness that extend far beyond therapy. The result...My clients tend to experience meaningful breakthroughs, stronger self-worth, and long-term personal growth—and they keep coming back because they know the work we do is real, transformative, and centered on their definition of success.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I’m best positioned to serve clients who are ready to understand themselves on a deeper level and are open to meaningful, lasting change even if they’re not exactly sure where to start. I work especially well with individuals who are: -Navigating life transitions, such as grief, career changes, parenting challenges, or relationship shifts. -Struggling with anxiety, depression, or low self-worth, and are tired of feeling stuck in the same cycles. -Carrying unresolved emotional wounds or trauma, and want a safe space to heal without judgment -Seeking to improve their relationships, set healthy boundaries, and develop more secure attachment patterns. -On a journey of self-discovery, looking to align more fully with their values, purpose, and authentic self. My ideal clients may feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or unsure how to move forward but they’re also curious, open-hearted, and willing to explore what healing could look like. Whether you're coming to therapy for the first time or returning after a break, I’ll meet you where you are and walk alongside you at a pace that feels right. If you’re ready to do the inner work, gain new tools, and create meaningful shifts in your life, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

About Mary Cole

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Person-centered (Rogerian)

Person-centered therapy is at the core of how I connect with and support my clients. My training and experience have shown me time and again that meaningful healing happens not through telling clients what to do, but by honoring their unique voice, inner wisdom, and capacity for growth. This means I: Meet you where you are, emotionally and mentally, without judgment or agenda; Listen deeply and reflectively so you feel truly heard, validated, and understood; Create a space where you feel safe to explore thoughts, feelings, and decisions at your own pace; Encouraging you to trust your process—believing that you are the expert of your own life and that healing unfolds when you’re supported, not pressured; Integrate person-centered care with other evidence-based methods such as CBT or solution-focused strategies to ensure the approach is both compassionate and effective.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another one of the core approaches I use in my clinical work, and I’ve seen firsthand how effective it can be in helping clients create real, lasting change. With training and hands-on experience using CBT across diverse client populations, I use this evidence-based method to help individuals better understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. What makes my CBT approach unique is that it’s always collaborative and personalized. I don’t just teach techniques, I walk alongside you as you learn to apply them in real-life situations, from managing daily stress to improving relationships or breaking negative cycles. I may incorporate structured tools like thought records, behavioral experiments, or coping skills exercises—but always in a way that feels supportive and relevant to your goals. My clients often share that CBT gives them a clearer lens to understand what’s been holding them back and the confidence to make empowered choices moving forward.

Attachment-based

One of the core frameworks I use in therapy is attachment-based treatment, which looks at how our earliest relationships shape the way we connect, protect, and show up in relationships today. You might notice patterns like fearing abandonment, struggling to trust others, needing constant reassurance, or pulling away when things get too close. These patterns often stem from past experiences—especially the relationships we had with caregivers early in life. Even if we’re not fully aware of it, these dynamics can shape everything from our romantic lives to how we see ourselves. In our work together, I help you gently explore these deeper roots not to blame the past, but to better understand how it lives in the present. From there, we can start to shift old patterns and build new ways of relating that feel safer, stronger, and more secure. I strive to create a space that feels emotionally safe, consistent, and judgment-free. That’s intentional—because the therapeutic relationship itself becomes a powerful model of secure attachment. It’s where healing begins. Whether you’ve experienced emotional neglect, chaotic relationships, or just want to feel more connected and confident in how you relate to others, attachment work can be a transformative part of your healing journey.

Christian Counseling

I have significant experience incorporating Christian counseling principles into my therapeutic approach, supporting clients who want to explore their faith alongside their emotional and psychological healing. I understand that spirituality and faith can be powerful sources of strength, hope, and guidance for many people, and I honor that deeply in our work together. In my practice, I blend evidence-based therapeutic techniques with Christian values such as compassion, forgiveness, grace, and unconditional love. I tailor our sessions to support both your psychological well-being and your spiritual growth. My goal is to honor your beliefs while using clinical tools that promote lasting change.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

Trained in this method, I’ve used SFBT effectively with individuals facing a wide range of challenges from anxiety and self-doubt to life transitions, relationship struggles, and career concerns. Rather than spending sessions solely on problems or the past, I use SFBT to help clients clarify their goals, envision their preferred future, and recognize the small, practical steps that can move them forward. These conversations often lead to breakthroughs because when clients focus on what’s possible, rather than what’s broken, real transformation can begin.