Mara Chow
(she/her)
CA Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Heilpraktikerin (Psychotherapie)
Available for new clients
My goal is to provide a safe space and empower you with healthy coping strategies and effective communication skills to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience. Languages: 🇺🇸 🇩🇪
I specialize in:
At a glance
Last active
Experienced on It's ComplicatedAbout 4 years and 1700+ sessions on It's Complicated
Offers free 15 minute introductory callThis provider offers a free introductory call
Note from MaraHi there! Please note: I'll be out of the office from April 23rd - May 6th and will respond to all inquiries and messages upon my return!
Usually responds within 4 hours
About me
Hi, I’m Mara Chow! Originally from Germany, I lived 20 years in Los Angeles, CA, where I worked as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Now back in Germany, I offer both online and in-person therapy sessions in English and German to locals as well as individuals and couples abroad. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of supporting children, teens, adults, couples, families, and groups from diverse backgrounds as they navigate life’s challenges—including PTSD, depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance use, and relationship struggles.
But beyond my training, my own journey—first as an expat and now as a repat—has given me a deep understanding of life’s transitions, identity shifts, and the challenges of finding belonging. I believe in the power of diversity, personal empowerment, and creating a space where emotional growth and balance can flourish. My goal is to offer a warm, compassionate environment where you feel truly seen, heard, and supported.
If you'd like to learn more, visit my website: www.marachow.com.
I speak:
EnglishGerman
Location:
Ottenser Hauptstraße 3, 22765 Hamburg, Germany
Media Gallery
Approach
Treatment Approaches
CBT: Cognitive behavioral therapyRecommended for those looking for practical support and accountability to change unhelpful thinking and behaviors.
EFT: Emotionally focused therapyRecommended for couples or individuals who want to strengthen emotional connections in relationships by exploring feelings and attachment.
Trauma Informed CareRecommended for those who have experienced trauma and need a safe, supportive space to heal at their own pace.
I take a trauma- and attachment-informed approach, focusing on how our relationships and social environment shape our experiences. I believe that every person—and every system they’re part of—has unique strengths and resources. My goal is to help you recognize and nurture these strengths, so you can navigate difficult emotions, life challenges, and relationships with greater understanding and resilience. Together, we’ll work toward healing, problem-solving, and building a sense of well-being.
Experience
14 years in practice1700+ sessions on It's ComplicatedAbout 4 years at It's Complicated
Aug. 2020 - Present
KLINISCHE PSYCHOLOGIN / HEILPRAKTIKERIN (PSYCHOTHERAPIE) / LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
www.marachow.com - Private Practice; Hamburg, Germany
May 2015 – Jul. 2020
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Wellnest/Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic – Community Mental Health Services; Los Angeles, CA
Sep. 2013 – Dec. 2014
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY TRAINEE
Counseling Partners of Los Angeles – School-Based Counseling Services; Los Angeles, CA
May 2010 – Jul. 2013
INTAKE COORDINATOR / COUNSELOR / CASE MANAGER
Didi Hirsch – Community Mental Health Services; Los Angeles, CA
Jan. 2009 – May 2010
MANAGING DIRECTOR
LA2DAY – Online Lifestyle Magazine; Brentwood, CA
Jun. 2008 – Feb. 2009
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
OCM – Content Development for Websites; West Hollywood, CA
Education
01/2022
Heilpraktikerin (Psychotherapie)
01/2019
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist # 111208
06/2010 – 12/2014
Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Los Angeles, CA
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy Summa Cum Laude (12.12.2014)
02/2010 – 05/2010
Department of Mental Health America of Los Angeles, Jump Start Mental Health Fellowship, Los Angeles, CA
Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist (14.05.2010)
06/2006 – 06/2008
University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Studies Summa Cum Laude (13.06.2008)
06/2004 – 06/2006
Santa Monica College, Santa Monica, CA
Transfer Education (10.06.2006)
10/2001 – 06/2004
Theatre of Arts, Los Angeles, CA
Advanced Acting Degree (02.06.2004)
1990 – 2000
Annette-von-Droste-Hülshoff-Gymnasium, Münster
Abitur (06.07.2000)
Cost
Free 15 minute introductory call
Individual Session
€140 (50 minutes)
Couple Session
€175 (50 minutes)
Family Session
€175 (50 minutes)
15 min Consultation
€0 (50 minutes)
Insurances
Private PayPrivate InsurancePublic Insurance
At a glance
Last active
Experienced on It's ComplicatedAbout 4 years and 1700+ sessions on It's Complicated
Offers free 15 minute introductory callThis provider offers a free introductory call
Note from MaraHi there! Please note: I'll be out of the office from April 23rd - May 6th and will respond to all inquiries and messages upon my return!
Usually responds within 4 hours
Next available: Apr 30