Rachel Mauro, Resident in Counseling, NCC

Supervised by David Hawxhurst, LPC

Rachel’s educational journey began at Colorado State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services in 2017. During her time at CSU, Rachel developed a passion for helping others and knew she wanted to pursue a career in counseling. This led her to further her education at Liberty University, where she obtained her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021.

Throughout her academic career, Rachel demonstrated a strong commitment to serving vulnerable populations. This dedication was further solidified during her internship at Safe Harbor, a nonprofit organization that provides support to survivors of sexual and domestic violence and abuse. During her time at Safe Harbor, Rachel worked closely with clients, providing counseling and support services to help them heal and rebuild their lives.

During her residency, Rachel has had the opportunity to work with a diverse population in community mental health settings. She has gained valuable experience in assessing and treating individuals with a wide range of mental health diagnoses and concerns. Rachel’s clinical focus and passion lie in working with survivors of complex trauma, particularly female survivors of sexual and domestic abuse, including those who have experienced childhood abuse.

Rachel’s underlying theoretical approach is psychodynamic and rooted in the belief that each client is the ultimate expert on themselves and their experiences. She values the unique perspective and knowledge that each individual brings to the therapeutic process. By creating a compassionate and safe space, Rachel encourages her clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a non-judgmental environment.

Through her work with survivors of complex trauma, Rachel has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and barriers that these individuals face in their healing journey. She is committed to advocating for her clients and empowering them to reclaim their sense of agency and resilience.

Rachel has received specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), including the FLASH technique. This form of therapy is particularly effective in treating trauma and helping individuals process distressing memories. In addition to EMDR, Rachel also incorporates other modalities such as attachment therapies, parts work, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into her practice.

Attachment therapies focus on building healthy relationships and addressing any disruptions in attachment that may be contributing to emotional difficulties. Parts work involves exploring different aspects of the self and integrating them to promote inner harmony and healing. CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

In addition to her work with trauma and PTSD, Rachel also specializes in helping clients struggling with depression, anxiety, and navigating life transitions. She has a passion for working with adolescents and adults, and finds fulfillment in helping them overcome their challenges and achieve personal growth. 

Through her work with clients, Rachel focuses on helping them develop insights into their past experiences and how they may be influencing their present behavior. She supports clients in building resilience and coping skills to navigate challenges and overcome obstacles. By helping clients identify their worth and value, Rachel empowers them to make positive changes in their lives and relationships.

Rachel understands that starting a journey towards healing and personal growth requires a great deal of courage and vulnerability. She recognizes the bravery it takes for clients to open up and share their innermost thoughts and feelings. Rachel is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for her clients, where they can feel comfortable and secure in exploring their emotions and experiences. She works closely with each individual to establish a strong sense of trust and connection, allowing them to feel heard and understood. By fostering this sense of safety and connection, Rachel helps her clients to feel empowered and supported as they navigate their journey towards healing and self-discovery.

Outside of work, Rachel leads an active lifestyle filled with a variety of hobbies and interests. She finds solace in weightlifting, pushing herself to new limits and achieving personal goals. Kayaking is another passion of hers, as she loves being out on the water and exploring new places. Traveling is a big part of Rachel’s life, as she enjoys immersing herself in different cultures and experiencing new adventures. And when she’s not out and about, Rachel can often be found snuggled up with her beloved dog, finding comfort and companionship in their bond. These activities bring joy and fulfillment to Rachel’s life, allowing her to unwind and recharge outside of her professional responsibilities.