Meet Forward Counseling’s new provider, Mary Jo Harmon, LPC! With the right tools and approaches, Mary Jo helps you find your way to healing offering a safe and supportive space.

Mary Jo Harmon, LPC, is a clinical professional with four years of experience, specializing in supporting individuals, couples, families, and women of color facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and grief. She finds fulfillment in working collaboratively with clients, particularly those new to therapy or those who have faced difficulties in previous therapeutic experiences.

Join our Q&A session with our newest provider at Forward Counseling and discover how Mary Jo can help you on your healing journey.

1. What inspired you to pursue counseling, and what do you love most about helping clients on their healing journeys?

Growing up, I witnessed the power of resilience within my community, yet I also saw the unspoken struggles that many carried in silence. This inspired me to pursue counseling—to create a safe, understanding space where people, especially those who often feel unheard, can heal and grow. What I love most about helping clients on their healing journeys is seeing their transformation—watching them rediscover their strength, embrace their worth, and find hope in places they once thought were lost. Being a part of that process is both humbling and deeply fulfilling.

2. How do you approach working with clients who are new to therapy or have had challenging experiences?

As an African American therapist, I approach clients who are new to therapy or facing challenges with warmth, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to building trust. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where they feel heard, validated, and empowered to share their experiences at their own pace. I use a collaborative and strengths-based approach, incorporating culturally relevant perspectives and coping strategies that honor their unique background. My goal is to help clients feel comfortable, supported, and confident in their healing journey, knowing they are not alone in the process.

3. You specialize in working with women of color—what unique challenges do you help them navigate, and how do you create a safe space for them?

As an African American therapist, I understand the unique challenges that women of color face, from navigating racial and gender identity to overcoming generational trauma, microaggressions, and societal pressures. I provide a safe, affirming space where they can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment. By integrating culturally responsive therapy, I help them process their experiences, build resilience, and develop strategies for self-care and empowerment. My goal is to create a healing environment where they feel seen, heard, and supported as they reclaim their strength and well-being.

4. Can you share how Internal Family Systems (IFS) and other therapy techniques like CBT and DBT help clients with anxiety, trauma, and depression?

As an African American therapist, I help clients struggling with anxiety, trauma, and depression by integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Through IFS, I guide clients in understanding and healing different parts of themselves that hold pain and trauma. Using CBT, I help them reframe negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies, while DBT provides mindfulness and emotional regulation skills to manage distress. With a culturally sensitive approach, I create a supportive space where clients feel empowered to heal, grow, and regain control over their mental well-being.

5. How does family therapy affect the healing process, and what can families expect when working with you?

As an African American therapist, I believe family therapy is a powerful tool for healing, as it strengthens communication, rebuilds trust, and fosters deeper connections. When working with me, families can expect a supportive, nonjudgmental space where each member’s voice is heard and valued. I help families navigate conflicts, generational patterns, and cultural dynamics while promoting understanding and resilience. Through guided conversations and evidence-based techniques, I empower families to heal together, creating a foundation for lasting growth and harmony.

6. You offer ketamine-assisted Therapy—can you explain what that looks like and who might benefit from it in its simplest form?

As an African American therapist, I am beginning to offer Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAT) as a transformative approach for those struggling with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and trauma. This therapy combines low-dose ketamine with guided talk therapy to help clients access deeper healing, gain new perspectives, and break free from emotional barriers. In a safe, supportive environment, I help clients process their experiences with care and cultural sensitivity. KAT can be especially beneficial for those who feel stuck in traditional therapy and are seeking new pathways toward emotional well-being.

7. What advice would you give to someone struggling with addiction but hesitant to seek therapy?

If you’re struggling with addiction but hesitant to seek therapy, know that you don’t have to face this journey alone.

I understand the fears and stigma that can come with asking for help, especially in our communities as an African American therapist. My approach is compassionate, nonjudgmental, and culturally sensitive, providing a safe space where you can heal at your own pace. Recovery is possible, and together, we can explore the root of your struggles, develop healthier coping strategies, and help you regain control of your life—one step at a time. You deserve support, and I’m here to help.

8. How do you support neurodivergent clients, and what approaches do you use to meet their unique needs?

As an African American therapist, I am passionate about supporting neurodivergent clients by providing a safe, affirming space where they can fully embrace their strengths and challenges. I use a personalized approach that incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and strengths-based techniques to help with emotional regulation, executive functioning, and self-acceptance. Whether you’re navigating ADHD, autism, or other neurodivergent experiences, my goal is to meet you where you are with understanding and practical strategies that honor your unique way of thinking and being. You deserve support that truly sees you—I’m here to help.

9. Grief can be incredibly complex—how do you help clients process loss in a way that feels supportive and meaningful?

As an African American therapist, I understand that grief is complex and deeply personal, often layered with cultural, generational, and spiritual elements. I provide a compassionate space where clients can process their loss in ways that feel supportive and meaningful to them. Using a blend of talk therapy, mindfulness, and narrative techniques, I help clients explore their emotions, honor their loved ones, and find ways to move forward while still holding space for their grief. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means learning to carry the love and memories in a way that brings peace and resilience.

10. For someone considering therapy for the first time, what can they expect in a session with you?

If you’re considering therapy for the first time, I want you to know that you’re taking a brave and important step toward healing. As an African American therapist, I create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe to share your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. In our first session, we’ll focus on getting to know each other, exploring what brings you to therapy, and setting goals that feel right for you. There’s no pressure—just support, understanding, and a path forward that we’ll navigate together. You don’t have to do this alone—I’m here to help.