Hi, I am Mary Onoja, a Professional Associate Counselor with a growing foundation of
clinical experience supporting individuals, couples, families, teenagers, and
adolescents. Although I officially became a Professional Associate Counselor only a few
months ago, I bring several years of meaningful experience from diverse settings and
communities that have shaped my passion and approach to mental health work.
My journey to mental health work began long before formal training, through my work
with a nonprofit organization in Africa dedicated to supporting women and children
affected by trauma, depression, exploitation, and addiction-related challenges. I
witnessed how unmet mental and psychological needs limited their overall well-being.
The same was true for some of my own close family members who struggled with
addiction and the mental health complications that followed. These experiences
profoundly influenced my commitment to becoming a mental health counselor, so I
could help individuals find healing, stability, and empowerment beyond just immediate
relief.

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Therapeutic Approach

Over the years, I have gained experience in several clinical and community settings. At
the Lewis & Clark Community Counseling Center, I worked closely with transgender and
gender-diverse clients, providing supportive and compassionate care. At the Men’s
Residential Center (VOA), I worked with men navigating both mental health concerns
and substance use disorders, supporting them through recovery, emotional regulation,
trauma work, and reintegration challenges. At WellPath Counseling and Associates, I
work with couples, families, adults, teenagers, and adolescents, helping them navigate
a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, family conflict,
relationship issues, and life transitions.

My counseling style is compassionate, accepting, empathetic, and non-judgmental. I
strive to be fully present with you, reassuring you that you are never alone in whatever
concerns you may be facing. I will walk alongside you, offering support and guidance
while honoring your autonomy. I respect and work with the decisions you make, and I
will help you recognize that your identity is not defined by your current challenges or
circumstances. My goal is to empower you to embrace the different choices life
presents, while holding you in unconditional positive regard within a safe and supportive
space.

My approach to therapy is rooted in a person-centered framework, reflecting my belief
that clients are the experts of their own experiences. I aim to create a warm,
non-judgmental, and safe space where clients feel fully seen and supported. I often
integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment
Therapy (ACT) to help clients identify patterns, develop healthier thought processes,
strengthen coping skills, and build resilience. I hold that a therapeutic relationship built
on trust, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard forms the foundation for
meaningful growth and desired outcomes. This relationship also serves as a bridge to
integrate other strategies and techniques that align with your goals and needs.
At the heart of my work is deep listening, attending not only to what you say, but also to
what may remain unspoken. I practice cultural humility and sensitivity, remaining open
to learning from your unique experiences and perspectives.

Through these modalities, my goal is to walk alongside you, help you understand your
emotions and experiences more deeply, and empower you with tools that support
healing, growth, and long-term well-being. Collaboration, empowerment, and
unconditional positive regard guide my therapeutic relationships

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Credentials & Experience

I hold a Master’s in Professional Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in
Addiction from Lewis & Clark College. I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a
CADC-registered professional, and have completed additional training in ASIST
(Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), which equips me to support individuals
experiencing suicidal thoughts effectively.

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Outside the Office

When I’m not in the office, I enjoy cooking, taking long walks, listening to music, watching movies, and reading. I love spending time with my family, especially playing games and sharing meals. I’m also passionate about volunteering and community involvement, offering support where help is needed.