Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Dayton, OH covered by Aetna

Hi, I'm Mara! Therapy can be extremely intimidating but you should be proud of yourself for taking this step! I work with clients that have post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), depression, anxiety and mood disorders. I also have a passion for working with adoptees as I am adopted myself. I'm currently licensed in Florida (LCSW) and Ohio (LISW). I am currently accepting clients!

I believe healing happens in connection — when you feel safe, understood, and empowered to grow.

My practice is inclusive and affirming of all cultural, religious, sexual, LGBTQIA+, and neurodiverse identities, providing a safe, nonjudgmental space where healing/growth can flourish.

I am a level 2 trained trauma trained professional who specializes in treating individuals (10+) couples and families.

Above all, my goal is to create a space where you feel safe, accepted, and empowered to heal — a space where you can explore who you are and what you need, at your own pace and in your own way.

I am trained in EMDR to assist individuals to heal past trauma and grief. I offer ADHD testing and counseling for youth and adults. I treat individuals with depression and anxiety. I have been a licensed professional clinical therapist for over 8 years.

Sometimes life looks fine from the outside,

while inside you're overwhelmed, stuck,

disconnected, or wondering what happened

to the person you used to be.

Maybe you're dealing with ADHD, anxiety,

depression, relationship challenges, low

self-esteem, identity questions, or a major

life transition. Maybe you're starting over

and aren't quite sure what comes next.

You don't have to have everything figured

out before coming to therapy.

I'm Hope Striving, LPCC, and I believe

therapy should feel human. I offer a warm,

affirming, judgment-free space where you

can be honest, explore what's really

going on and feel genuinely heard.

I work with adolescents and adults,

with a particular interest in ADHD and

neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+ concerns,

identity development, relationships,

self-esteem, trauma, grief, and life

transitions.

I also believe there should be room

for humor, creativity, and authenticity

in therapy. My goal isn't to tell you how

to live your life, it's to help you better

understand yourself, recognize your

strengths, develop practical coping

strategies, and create meaningful

change that fits who you are.

Clients often describe me as reliable, professional, and flexible in meeting their needs. My diverse experience allows me to connect with people from all walks of life. I pride myself on being a great listener with strong comprehension skills, offering a nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe to share and process.

I became a therapist because I believe our struggles deserve to be understood, not just fixed. Too often, people come to therapy feeling like a problem to be solved or a checklist to work through, and that's exactly what I want to push back against. My goal is to help you feel more human, not more clinical.

I earned my Master's in Social Work from Northern Kentucky University in 2014 and hold a certificate in ADHD treatment. I work with adults navigating ADHD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder, and I bring both professional training and personal familiarity to these areas. I know this stuff isn't abstract. It shows up in real life, in real ways, every day.

I know that getting started with seeking help is hard. But if you are committed to moving past your challenges and need a warm, compassionate, collaborative therapist- You have come to the right place.

If you need someone to hold space in a safe and confidential setting where you are heard and validated and its is a no judgement zone, where we slowly peel the many layers of what you are struggling through and come up with a plan of how you would prefer to move forward. Please reach out.

I am a LPCC, I can assist in providing you with supportive environment to help in making you feel heard, understood and supported.

I am also a Certified EMDR therapist- If you are interested in going deeper into your healing journey and are committed to exploring and healing past wounds through EMDR.

Spring is a time for renewal and what better time to focus on renewing yourself and your life! In my 16 years as a therapist, I've supported many clients to take a new look at their life and to move toward that renewal. While therapy might feel scary at first, my training and support will make it less so. I can teach you skills through therapies including DBT and EMDR that will allow you to manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma and more. Your life doesn't have to feel out of control or difficult to manage. I'm here to help. Allow me to walk with you as we work together toward building the healthier life you want and deserve!

I have worked in the field of mental health for 35 years and what I have learned is that everyone should to be treated with respect and dignity and also deserves to have a therapist who will partner with them to achieve the outcome they want.