Mary Baja, LMHCA

Mary works with teens and adults who often feel out of place in spaces that weren’t built with their identities in mind. Many of her clients are LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and/or navigating the complexities of cultural and systemic expectations. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by daily pressures, questioning your identity, or exhausted from trying to fit into a world that doesn't always "get it," you’ll find a space here where you don’t have to explain or justify your experiences. A space where you can show up as you are.

Because you know yourself best, Mary’s role is to sit beside you, offering support and guidance while you choose the direction that feels right for you. Her role is to sit in the passenger seat, supporting you as you choose what direction you want to go, rather than telling you what turns you should take. Sessions are conversational and flexible, creating a supportive space to sort through what’s on your mind rather than feeling like a “traditional” therapy session. Many clients appreciate this open-ended style as it often feels easier to build trust, find a sense of safety, and work through challenges at a pace that feels comfortable and natural.

A core part of this work is the shift from masking to authenticity. So much energy is often spent hiding parts of ourselves to survive or keep the peace. Here, you are invited to drop the performance. The goal is to look at what it means to live authentically; not by following a rigid plan, but by slowly unlearning the expectations that have been placed on you and discovering what actually feels right.

As a queer, Filipino-American, and neurodivergent therapist (AuDHD), Mary brings lived experience and a commitment to social justice into the room. She understands that many struggles stem from trying to function in systems that weren't designed for you. This perspective shapes a practice that is affirming and non-judgmental, where therapy is adapted to fit your way of thinking and being. You don’t need to have the "right words" or clear goals to begin; curiosity and openness are enough.