Mariel Pastor, MA, LMFT

(712015 Update: My practice is currently full. I AM CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW INTERNS.) Counseling, and the counseling relationship, can create a safe forum for deep and lasting change. For the last 20 years I've enjoyed working with a diverse population, primarily individuals, and find that people who are motivated to understand themselves better and apply the tools learned in our work together have the greatest chance to empower real change in their lives. Most people come into my office frustrated by persistent patterns that they tried to change, often through years of therapy, and to no avail. Self-criticism, fearfulness, procrastination, self-doubt, loneliness, insomnia, panic, conflictual relationships, etc. Some of these problems may seem to develop slowly over time, and some problems come about from recent loss or trauma. Most of us only skim the surface of what we know about ourselves and our inner resources, especially with regard to our capacity for emotional healing. I hold an integrated perspective about human growth and healing that takes into consideration social, biological, and cultural influences that may be out of balance. My approach is ultimately tailored to a particular person's issues and needs, though I hold great respect for time spent exploring internal thoughts and reactions, untangling inner conflicts and releasing a greater capacity for calmness, contentedness, clarity and balance. These resources are in every one of us.

Many insurance policies accepted as space allows. Office hours are generally Monday through Thursday 10-7, Friday hours vary. The bright, comfortable office suite is in The Mayer Building, close to Max and Street Car stops, and meets disability requirements. I am a Lead Trainer in Internal Family Systems therapist, and offer training and consultation for therapists and students. For more information on IFS please visit their website.

Resolving internal conflicts and dilemmas, negative impact from family-of-origin dysfunction, grief and loss, and long-standing blocks to happiness.

There was a time early on in my practice where I experienced a long string of significant losses and I felt grateful to have learned how to employ my own internal and external resources to not only "keep going", but to ultimately release and heal the painful burdens I was carrying. Those trying times give me great confidence about guiding clients through deep pain. I have benefited significantly from those times and am glad to say that I am truly a happy person.

I always address a client's concerns about addressing painful issues, and present a number of ways we can make the process safe and effective, without overwhelm. Healing old wounds is often scary to some clients, but there are resources inside everyone that can handle and resolve these wounds, and I am privileged to be a supportive guide in that process.