My name is Mary (she/her) and I own a colorful little private practice called Rainbow of Hope Counseling based in Toledo, OH. I am a Licensed Independent Social Work Supervisor in Ohio and a Licensed Master’s Social Worker in Michigan who has worked in mental health since 2013. I aim to provide safe, affirming tele-therapy for LGBTQIA+ youth and adults and specialize in providing WPATH referral letters for Gender Affirming Services (one of my favorite parts of what I do).
Many of my clients started calling me the "Vigilante Therapist" due to my drive to advocate strongly (and often loudly), push systemic boundaries (ethically of course), navigate the grey areas of working within our specific community, and focus on eliminating barriers and harmful gatekeeping practices. My clients will also tell you that no topic is off the table, I've heard it all and written a treatment plan for it haha I judge not.
I acknowledge that you are the expert on you. I am here to work with you to help untangle that knotted-up hunk of thoughts and emotions you've been carrying around and wind it back into the nice neat colorful ball that it was. I work to stay aware of my privilege in life as a white cis female and watch for any unconscious biases that may pop up and correct them before they make any impact. I am always open to feedback if I do anything that makes you uncomfortable or anything I could/should do it differently. I am committed to listening to the community I serve and adapting accordingly to provide the safest care I can.
I bring some of my own lived experience to the table. I am part of the LGBTQIA+ community myself and am a parent of an awesome trans teen. I am laid back, go with the flow, have a habit of cursing like a sailor, and wear my tattoos, piercings, and rainbows with pride. I love animals and often incorporate my client's bonded animals into sessions. I can be unapologetically outspoken, loud, and stubborn when up against injustice.
Above and beyond all else I love what I do.
I have worked exclusively with my LGBTQIA+ community since about 2018 and have specialized in Gender Affirming Service referral letters since about 2020.