Frequently Asked Questions

First of all, I honor your decision to want to meet. It is not an easy step; however, it is one of the most important decisions you may be making. I will meet with you and offer a supportive, non-judgmental and safe atmosphere. We will talk about what areas in your life are not working and discuss together what you want me to help guide you with.

You can expect that I am a quick study, and together we will discuss the options we have of how you want to proceed. I will give you my professional opinions, thoughts and recommendations. I will also let you know if I would be unable to help you for whatever reason. Alternatively, if you do not feel I am the right fit, we will discuss it and I will offer referrals to assist you.

Coaching is usually offered when a client wants guidance and support in meeting specific goals. Usually these are measurable, have different action steps, are future-oriented, and do not need to include healing past issues. Areas for coaching include personal growth, breaking barriers, spiritual growth, resistance, procrastination, motivation, and performance improvement in work and career. This would usually not require the need to delve into healing old wounds.

Consulting services are offered for parents who may want a consultation for their children’s care. It is also for businesses that want assistance with their teams or employees, and/or other colleagues who require Mary L. Bondi, LMHC’s guidance.

Therapy involves working through emotional distress, healing old wounds, or breaking limited or negative beliefs.

There are many different ways a spiritual therapist works. Mary’s spiritual therapy includes helping clients develop who they are as a whole person, including their emotional, physical, energetic, and spiritual self (this may or may not include religion). Mary defines spiritual as an ability to know and love our whole, true self. It can also include learning what our purpose on this earth may be. There are times in our lives when this gets explored, and it is often when we are going through loss, transitions, or re-purposing of life’s meaning.

Holistic means whole. This means that the therapist works on more than just analyzing your mind and not just talk therapy. They incorporate a whole body-mind approach to healing. They may offer many modalities, including talk therapy, to help support your whole healing process. Some somatic therapies fall into this category.

Most individuals will have different experiences with EMDR. Some common experiences are reports of feeling very calm, and most liken it to a relaxed daydream. Some describe it as if they were watching various snippets of their life from a passenger seat; some describe it as similar to a deep meditative state. Many release emotions like sadness, frustration and happiness. Overall, most everyone leaves feeling lighter physically and emotionally.

I enjoy working with diverse backgrounds — cultural, religious and spiritual. I am first generation, born to Italian parents, and have experienced both the challenges as well as the blessings that come with this. I can relate to and understand wholeheartedly many of my clients, and this helps support their healing. I also enjoy working with individuals of different religious beliefs.

Looking for and asking for guidance is a sign of strength. Your culture and your upbringing play an important role in your life, and they will also play a role in your healing. It is important to find a therapist who is sensitive to and has experience in multi-cultural counseling.

The most common misconception of seeking therapy is that it is a weakness. The truth is that those who seek guidance actually have more insight into themselves, reach within, and know that they could use guidance. It takes an extremely strong individual to make that appointment or that call.