About Mariah
Mariah Lenz-Scherping, Clinical Trainee
Hello and Welcome!
I am a Clinical Trainee dedicated to meeting my clients where they are in their life journey.
I have a special interest in working with people across the lifespan (ages 6+) who have experienced trauma, hurt, and loss. My approach is trauma-informed, meaning my clients choose what, when, and how much they would like to share about their pain and life experiences.
In my office, you will find fidgets, coloring pages (plus markers and colored pencils), a salt lamp, a candle warmer, comfortable seating, and a beautifully thrifted portrait of the Pacific Northwest Coast. My clients would describe me as a practitioner who is warm, honest, and direct, with a sense of humor. I strive to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere in my practice, and I truly enjoy getting to know each and every person who walks through my door.
What to Expect:
Sessions with me are roughly 55 minutes, and I like to begin and end each session with a brief grounding/mindfulness practice. This means that we often take a moment to settle into the space, taking a breath (or two), and focus on being present with one another before we begin. In my approach, I use evidence-based practices, including tenets of Somatic Experiencing, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing. I strive to be client-centered and client-led. While I may challenge some underlying beliefs or unhelpful behaviors, it is never my intention to “push” clients into change. Therapy is a collaborative relationship that is always client-led.
Education:
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and will obtain my Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the College of St. Scholastica. Since I am still in the process of obtaining my Master’s Degree, I am what’s considered a Clinical Trainee. This means that I am a “therapist in training” who works closely with our owner, Tina, to ensure I am providing high-quality, evidence-based, and ethical care.