Hi, I’m Mae
I’m a licensed professional counselor associate under the supervision of Kelly Ayala, LPC-S.
You might be someone who thinks deeply and feels even deeper. You replay conversations long after they have ended. You analyze tone shifts, word choices, and pauses. You want closeness and connection, but relationships have also been the place where you have felt the most confusion, self-doubt, or hurt. Maybe you have learned to shrink a little, to over-accommodate, or to question your own needs. Maybe you have become so skilled at understanding everyone else that you have lost touch with yourself.
I work with creative, thoughtful adults who are healing from relational wounds and trying to find their way back to who they really are. Many of the people I sit with are over-thinkers, not because something is wrong with them, but because they learned that staying hyper-aware was a way to stay safe. They are insightful, emotionally aware, and often hard on themselves. They long for deeper intimacy, but they are tired of repeating patterns that leave them feeling unseen or unsteady.
Therapy with me is warm, grounding, and collaborative. I care deeply about emotional safety. I want you to feel heard and understood from the very beginning, not analyzed, not judged, not rushed. At the same time, I offer direct and honest support. Insight matters, but insight alone is not enough. We gently explore the patterns shaped by past relationships, where you learned to doubt yourself, over-function, disconnect, or brace for disappointment, and we work toward integration. The goal is not to analyze your life endlessly. It is to help you move through it with more clarity, authenticity, and ease.
I am not rigid or overly structured. Our work will not feel like a checklist or a worksheet. Instead, I meet you where you are. Some days that might mean slowing down and sitting with something tender. Other days it might mean practicing how you want to communicate differently, set a boundary, or trust your own internal cues. I balance emotional depth with practical support when it is helpful, always tailoring the process to what will genuinely move you forward.
I became a therapist because I have seen what happens when someone is finally given a space to be fully themselves without judgment or performance. There is something powerful about being truly seen. I believe deeply in each person’s capacity for growth, especially when they feel supported rather than pushed. I am passionate about helping people reconnect to their own voice, particularly when that voice has been quieted in relationships.Over time, the people I work with often notice that the mental spiraling softens. Boundaries feel clearer. Communication feels more honest. Relationships feel less like something to survive and more like something to participate in. They begin to trust themselves. They feel less stuck, less overwhelmed, and more aligned with who they actually are.
Our first session is simply a place to land. We will talk about what brought you here and what feels tender or unresolved. There is no pressure to have it all figured out. You do not need to perform insight or present a polished version of yourself. You just get to show up as you are.
From there, we begin.
Areas of focus
I work Adults healing from relational or attachment-based wounds, anxious or insecure attachment patterns, chronic overthinking and relational anxiety, people-pleasing, over-functioning, and self-abandonment, identity confusion that developed within relationships, difficulty trusting their own needs, feelings, or voice, desire for deeper intimacy but fear of being unseen or hurt.
My Approach
Clients often describe me as warm, grounding, validating, and poignant. I will hold space for the parts of you that feel confused or ashamed, and I will also gently challenge the patterns that keep you stuck. Growth does not require harshness, but it does require honesty. I may use self-disclosure intentionally when it serves the work, but the focus will always remain on you, your voice, your needs, and your healing.
Qualifications and Logistics
Licensure
Licensed Professional Counselor - Associate (License #95910)
Supervised by Kelly Ayala, M.S., LPC-S, EMDR Certified, IFS Trained, Registered Yoga Teacher 500hr (License #66255)
Education
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – University of St. Thomas
Bachelor of Arts in English
Special Training
Gottman Method (in progress)
Internal Family Systems Level 1 through the IFS Institute
Trauma Informed Care
Crisis Intervention
Insurance
Aetna
Cigna
*I am able to take Insurance under my On-Site Supervisor- Melody Celeste Osborne
Availability
I offer Telehealth online in Texas throughout the week.
Rates
$140- Individual Session- 55 minutes
$160- Couples/Family Session- 55 minutes
$50- Parent Check in Session- 30 minutes*
*All Minors must have a parent check in session every 4 sessions
Off the Clock
Outside of the therapy room, I like to wander, sometimes onto hiking trails where I can breathe a little deeper and let my thoughts stretch out with the trees. On quieter days, you’ll usually find me immersed in a good video game, getting lost in a beautifully built world, or curled up with manga or a novel that carries me somewhere new. I have a deep appreciation for storytelling inall its forms and the way it connects us to different parts of ourselves. I am also a devoted foodie at heart and will happily plan an entire day around a great meal, so I truly welcome any and all recommendations.
-
Yes!
I see clients throughout the week via Telehealth for clients located in Texas.
-
I work with adults healing from relational or attachment-based wounds, anxious or insecure attachment patterns
-
In your first session, we'll spend time getting to know each other and understand what brought you to therapy. I'll ask questions about your current concerns, your background, and what you're hoping to achieve through our work together. This is also your opportunity to ask me questions about my approach, experience, and how I might be able to help.
Most clients find this initial conversation helpful and less intimidating than they expected. There's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with, and we'll move at a pace that feels right for you. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard and understood from the very first meeting.
By the end of our first session, we'll have a clearer picture of your goals and how therapy can support you. We'll also discuss practical matters like scheduling, fees, and confidentiality to ensure you have all the information you need moving forward.
-
Yes! I am able to take Aetna and Cigna insurance under my on site supervisor, Melody Celeste Osborne.
Our Intake Coordinator, Amy will reach out to get your insurance information and confirm if I am in-network with your plan before your first session.
Important information about using insurance:
To bill insurance, you will need to receive a mental health diagnosis, which your therapist will discuss with you during your first session. If you prefer not to have a diagnosis on record, you can choose to pay our full session fee instead.
Please provide your insurance information when scheduling your first appointment.
Out-of-network benefits:
If your therapist is not in-network with your insurance provider, you'll be responsible for the full session fee. We can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your first session to understand your out-of-network benefits and reimbursement process.
-
We require 48 hours advance notice to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows us to offer your time slot to another client who may be waiting for services.
If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice or miss your appointment without canceling, you will be charged $75 for a Late Cancellation and $100 for a No Show. This late cancellation fee is not covered by insurance and will be your responsibility.
We understand that emergencies happen. If you experience a true emergency (such as sudden illness, hospitalization, or family crisis), please contact us as soon as possible. We will work with you on a case-by-case basis for genuine emergency situations.
To cancel or reschedule, please contact us by phone at 832-569-7673, through your client portal or via email at restoring@rhchouston.com. We appreciate your understanding that this policy helps us maintain quality care for all our clients.
-
Scheduling is available through our Intake Coordinator Amy. Complete the form on the the “Schedule Appointment” Button. Amy will then reach out and get your appointment scheduled.
You can also give our office a call at 832-569-7673 and our Intake Coordinator, Amy will get you scheduled!
-
Finding the right therapist is an important part of your healing journey. The therapeutic relationship is one of the most significant factors in successful outcomes, so it's worth taking time to find someone you feel comfortable with.
Here are some things to consider:
Do you feel heard and understood when talking with me?
Does my approach and style resonate with you?
Do my areas of specialization align with what you're working through?
Do you feel safe being open and vulnerable in our sessions?
Take advantage of a free consultation:
We offer free 15-minute phone consultations so you can get a sense of my approach and ask any questions before committing to your first session. This is a no-pressure opportunity to see if we might be a good match.
Finding your fit within our practice:
If after a few sessions you feel like we're not the right fit, that's okay—and it's important information. We have several talented therapists at Restoring Hope Counseling with different styles, approaches, and specialties. We're happy to help you connect with another clinician in our practice who might be a better match for your needs. Your growth and comfort matter most, and we're committed to helping you find the right therapeutic relationship, even if that's with a different member of our team.
The best therapy happens when you feel genuinely connected to your therapist. Trust your instincts, and don't hesitate to speak up if something doesn't feel right.
Frequently Asked Questions
