Hey! I'm Molly. I'm an American therapist and clinical social worker, trained and licensed in the U.S. and living in Germany since 2022. I run an online counseling practice for young adult and adult clients in Germany and abroad as well as some in-person counseling in Jena, Thüringen. I currently work with individuals only, not couples/partners; may offer groups in 2026. -- WHY I'M HERE: I've always stuck out a bit. I grew up in a very conservative, low-income, blue-collar town in the U.S., in a family that did not "believe in" therapy or counseling. When I could no longer "cope" my way through my struggles with mental health and being closeted about several aspects of my identity and interests, I began my own therapy journey - with a mix of reluctance, suspicion, anxiety, and desperation to feel better and finally feel seen. I went on to experience incredible stabilization, affirmation and growth through my work with some excellent therapists - as well as some that were not so stellar - all of which motivated me to enter the profession myself and offer an accessible space for clients that allows for authentic connection and healing. I knew I wanted to support those who were new to the therapy world and/or had struggled to find a space where they felt accepted and connected, like me. I completed a rigorous master's program specialized in clinical social work with intensive field work and supervision, all while participating in my own therapy throughout. After entering the field to work in community-based and online mental health for youth and adults, I went on to achieve the highest level of professional licensure. Some years later, I took the leap and moved abroad to join my partner in Germany, leaving behind a stable job as a therapist and social worker in order to immerse myself in the language, social systems, and cultures of my new country. The anxiety, isolation, alienation, and overall disconnect that I felt in my new country was paralyzing. I struggled to find a therapist through the German health care system and saw firsthand how inaccessible, limited, and rigid the traditional approach to mental health care in Germany can be. This gave me the final push to return to my therapeutic roots and offer culturally accessible, English-language counseling to other English-speakers living abroad. -- WHAT I CAN HELP YOU WITH: As a trained therapist and long-time therapy client myself - and especially as someone with identities and interests outside the mainstream - I genuinely understand how challenging it can be to find the right "fit" of therapist/counselor and an accepting, nonjudgmental space. Through counseling with me, you can find support in navigating the messy, complex experience of being human from someone who "gets it" professionally and personally: - figuring out your unmet needs and stumbling blocks; - activating resources and recognizing your existing wisdom and strengths; - navigating acute stressors, big life transitions, and culture shock; - exploring who you are and how you want to live most authentically; - getting "un-stuck" and starting to heal from the bruises of the past; - moving towards kinder, healthier, and more fulfilling relationships with yourself and others; - gaining the skills and confidence to not just survive, but thrive; and more, in your own language. -- WHO I WORK WITH: I've worked with a wild range of individuals and communities - I like the variety! But I've been most drawn to work with people who feel outside the mainstream, particularly immigrants, children of the diaspora, youth transitioning into adulthood, and people exploring their identities. Many of my clients have experienced trauma and struggled with attachment/not feeling safe or connected in their relationships. I am professionally and personally experienced with a wide variety of identities and communities related to gender, sexuality, neurodivergence, and non-traditional relationship structures from ethical non-monogamy to kink/BDSM. I am alt-friendly/subculture-friendly. Goths and witchy folks welcome! -- LANGUAGES: I work primarily in English (my native language), but you are welcome to bring in Spanish or German if you feel more comfortable expressing yourself in one of these languages: I speak advanced German (C1 level) and have done social-educational work in German-language settings. I also did Spanish-language counseling, therapy, and community education work for many years and have spent significant time in Spanish-speaking regions, from Mexico and Spain to the USA. Curious if we'd be a good fit? Book a free, non-binding intro call - let's connect!