April Clinician Spotlight: Mary Koenig (she/they)

Introducing, Mary! 

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hi! I’m Mary (she/they). I’m a social worker and clinical therapist who specializes in providing queer-affirming, gender-affirming, radical self-care and community care oriented therapy with teens and adults who are healing after difficult events, childhoods, or relationships. I’m passionate about creating supportive spaces where people can work safely toward rebuilding their sense of self-worth, self-trust, and safety. Outside of therapy, you’ll probably find me reading, hanging out with my cats, or playing music.

When did you first know that you wanted to pursue this career path/how have your interests and passions developed over time?

My path to becoming a therapist has been a little bit winding. I started social work school thinking I’d pursue research and macro-level prevention work, but quickly discovered a passion for direct practice at my first internship placement at an intimate partner abuse crisis center. After graduating, I continued working with survivors of abuse providing community resources, safety planning, and supportive services for almost seven years. I still have a very fond place in my heart for that type of work, but found myself wanting to engage with people on a more clinical, therapeutic level. I have benefited immensely from therapy on my own healing journey, and I wanted to bring my interest in attachment-based and relational work to offer that same kind of support to others. So, I took the leap! I love being able to really get to know someone and work deeply alongside them toward their therapy goals. Working to help create a welcoming, affirming space where people can bring their full and authentic selves is truly an honor that I am grateful for every day. 

Do you have any creative outlets or interests? Tell us about them!

I love playing music! I play drums in a local band, and I’m also learning the bass guitar. Other than that, I love going down the rabbit hole of a new hobby (however long that hobby may last!). Some things I’ve tried recently are baking macarons, roller skating, and watercolor painting. Being pretty bad at something but thoroughly enjoying it anyway has been a fun way for me to heal my perfectionist inner child. And I love incorporating art and music into my work as a therapist as well!

Which of GWB’s values do you feel connected to? Why?

It’s hard to pick, but two that have been resonating hard with me recently are also deeply connected in my mind: community and the commitment to anti-oppressive practice. I believe strongly in incorporating anti-oppressive and community care values into my work as a therapist (and into my life in general!). I believe that we all deserve to be free of the oppressive structures that keep us isolated and exhausted, and that healing happens both in the therapy room and out of it, in community. The process of learning new ways of thinking, unlearning internalized messages, and developing my understanding of my role in community and in resisting these oppressive structures has been an integral part of my work as a therapist. 

What is your go-to coffee or tea order?

I love an iced oat milk latte–bonus points if it has a floral flavor like lavender, rose, or elderflower!