Mara Wallace, M.Ed., LPC, NCC

Everyone has a chapter that is difficult to read aloud. I believe that, in the words of my favorite self-help guru Brené Brown, “When we have the courage to walk into our story and own it, we get to write the ending.” My role in the therapeutic process is to remain alongside you as you explore your story and consider how you’d like the next chapters to be written. We do not always have control over all aspects of life, but I believe we do have choices within every situation: the choice to seek help, the choice to look at things another way, and the choice to give meaning and purpose to even the most difficult experiences.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) with over seven years experience providing behavioral health counseling in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment centers, state prison, and county jail. My education consists of: Bachelors of Arts in Journalism and Crime, Law, Justice from Penn State and a Masters in Counselor Education with an emphasis in Rehabilitation and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Penn State.

I have provided treatment to individuals facing a variety of issues, including: substance use disorders; incarceration and legal issues; homelessness; anxiety, mood, personality and psychotic disorders; PTSD and history of trauma; self-harm and suicidal ideation; interpersonal relationship conflicts; grief and loss; and life adjustments and transitions. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities and interventions, such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, and mindfulness to assist my clients in progressing with their self-identified goals.

I value maintaining a trauma-informed environment at all times, as it is essential in order to explore those more difficult life chapters. Each story is different, and no two pages the same. I believe you are expert on your own life and deserve a safe space where you feel supported and safe to do therapeutic work. It would be an honor to be part of your journey as your write your next chapters.

Outside of work, I enjoy exercising, running, yoga, hiking, taking photos, spending time with family and friends, Thai food, anything Penn State (WE ARE!), and international traveling.