About

A calm room and a kind person on your side.

Therapy works best when you feel safe enough to be honest. So that’s where we start: with warmth, patience and no judgment at all.

A soft armchair beside a tall window with a garden view
A woman in a soft sweater holding a teacup by a sunny window

Hello

I’m Maren Ellis, LPC.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice, seeing adults and couples in Asheville and online across North Carolina.

I grew up in the mountains of western North Carolina and came home to Asheville to open this practice. I especially love working with people in the middle of big changes: a new job, a new baby, a loss, a whole new chapter. Outside the office you’ll find me on a slow trail walk, in my small garden, or reading with a cup of tea that has gone cold.

What I can promise is this: I’ll listen closely, I’ll be honest with you, and I’ll go at the pace that feels right for you.

LPC Adults Couples In-person and online

Maren Ellis

What guides the work

Four things you can count on.

  • Your pace

    We never rush. Slow is a perfectly good speed.

  • Listening first

    Before any advice, I want to understand your story as you see it.

  • An open door

    No question is too small. You can always say no, or not yet.

  • Small steps

    Real change tends to be quiet. We build on little wins.

A hand holding a mug of tea on soft white bedding

What a session feels like

Fifty minutes that are just for you.

Every session is different, but most have a gentle shape to them.

  1. Settling inA few minutes to arrive and catch your breath. Water or tea, and no rush. If you’re joining online, find a quiet corner where you feel comfortable, even if that’s your car.
  2. Talking it throughYou lead. I listen, ask questions and help you notice what’s underneath. Some weeks you’ll arrive with a lot to say, other weeks with nothing at all. Both are fine.
  3. Trying something smallIf it helps, a simple idea or practice to carry into your week. A breathing exercise, a question to notice, a kinder way to talk to yourself. Never homework you’ll feel bad about.
  4. Closing gentlyWe wind down together, so you don’t walk out mid-thought. You leave with a sense of where we are and what comes next.

Approaches

Ways we might work together.

These are the tools I draw on most. We’ll choose what fits you, and I’ll always explain what we’re doing and why.

See what I help with

  • CBTCognitive behavioral therapy. Spot the thought loops that keep you stuck, and practice kinder, more useful ones.
  • ACTAcceptance and commitment therapy. Make room for hard feelings while you move toward what matters.
  • Mindfulness-basedSimple ways to notice the present moment, so you’re not swept along by every worry.
  • Person-centeredYou’re the expert on your own life. My job is to listen well and walk beside you.
  • EMDR-informedGentle ideas drawn from EMDR to help your mind and body process painful memories.

Curious if we’d be a good fit?

The best way to know is a short, free call. Ask anything you like. There’s no pressure to book.

Book a free consultation See fees and FAQ