Mary Holwerda, MA, LPC, NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed School Counselor and National Certified Counselor with a Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University. Mary has worked in the field of counseling since 2003 and has found great joy in watching peoples’ lives transform. Mary works with children, youth, and adults, and provides a unique and dynamic approach to counseling.

Mary views the counseling process as a partnership between the client and therapist to discover freedom and relief from unwanted thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. She creates an environment of unconditional positive regard and a judgement-free feel in hopes that people will then feel welcomed and accepted, allowing cultivation of the “awesomeness” that already lies within. Mary is excited to help you regain motivation and confidence so that you can live the best version of your life.

She has spent the majority of her time working with children and youth with the belief that children inspire us every day. Children are eager to embrace change and motivated to realize their highest potential. Because of her experience in school counseling, Mary is aware of the challenges children face in school with demanding academic curriculums, high stakes testing, and social and emotional struggles. Outside of school, children struggle with the added stress of social media, the pressures and confusion they face online, difficulties in family life, negative body image, and personal traumas which require tailored action in providing effective counseling and treatment. For many years, Mary has been in the unique position to help individuals, caregivers, and families bridge the gap between school, home and other impressionable spaces such as those found online.

Mary has received specialized training in anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and family changes and transitions. Specifically to children, Mary has been trained in functional behavior assessments, positive behavior intervention support, foster care, bullying and other mean behaviors, coping with changes in the family, and writing 504 plans to assist children struggling with physical or mental impairments by removing barriers to learning.

The treatment modalities practiced include: Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness practice, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, and Client-centered therapy. Mary believes that if we think better, we will feel better and ultimately do better in achieving personal success and happiness.

When Mary is not in the office, you might find her running one of her very large breed dogs, dining with family and friends, hiking, or just enjoying our beautiful Michigan lakes and beaches.

To set up an initial appointment with Mary, please call our office at 616.607.4476 or email Amanda@startandassociates.com

To contact Mary for other reasons, please call her directly at 616.502.9733 or e-mail Mary@startandassociates.com