CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING:

Mariah Lowe • LCSW

Professional Charlotte NC Youth & Families Therapist & Counselor

Works With

Youth/Teens (6-18)

Areas of Focus

ADHD
Self-esteem
Depression
Anxiety
School-related concerns
Emotional regulation
Life Transisions
Relationship struggles
Social skill development

I earned both my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Central Florida (UCF). During my undergraduate program, I also completed a certificate in Children’s Services, which deepened my passion for working with children and gave me early insight into their needs.

My time at UCF helped shape the way I show up for the people I support. It continues to guide how I connect with young people, creating a space where they feel heard, understood, and comfortable being themselves as they grow and move forward.

The Journey That Led Me to Become a Therapist

As a little girl, I felt greatly inspired by my grandmother’s career in social work. Her dedication to building relationships and making a positive difference in people’s lives left a lasting impression on me. Even at a young age, I knew I wanted to spend my life supporting others as they navigated their personal challenges.

Growing up, I faced my own struggles that made my childhood especially difficult. I didn’t have the opportunity to see a counselor during that time, but I often think about how much that kind of care could’ve helped. That experience became a powerful motivator and ultimately fueled my desire to become the person I once needed.

When I later attended UCF, I formed valuable relationships with several professors active in the social work field. Their mentorship strengthened my passion and contributed to my success throughout my undergraduate and graduate programs.

My internships were especially impactful. During my BSW program, I interned at the same middle school I attended as a child, which felt like a full-circle moment. Later, during my MSW program, I trained at Orlando Regional Medical Center, the city’s top trauma hospital. These experiences gave me strong foundational skills and connections that continue to influence the way I show up for my clients today.

My Professional Experience Supporting Youth & Families

In 2020, I started working as a contracted social worker with the school district, providing individual and group counseling to students. Not long after, I joined the district full-time as a school social worker, where I spent five years assisting students, families, and school staff through a wide range of emotional and behavioral difficulties.

Early in my career, I received an award and a one-year membership to a Florida counseling association for an essay I wrote about why I chose the mental health field. It was a meaningful moment that reaffirmed why this profession matters so much to me.

Over time, I felt called to more in-depth care with children, which led me to begin providing individual therapy in private practice. After becoming fully licensed and relocating to Charlotte NC, I stepped into a full-time role as a child and teen therapist.

Working in several settings has allowed me to guide many young people through a variety of challenges. I primarily serve kids and adolescents and offer parenting support so families move forward together.

I’ve also completed specialized training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), an evidence-based approach that lets youth process and heal from traumatic experiences.

What to Expect When Working With Me

My counseling style is hands-on, engaging, and tailored to each child’s needs. I believe children and teens learn and process best through active participation, so I frequently incorporate games, therapeutic activities, creative expression, and crafts into sessions. These tools make concepts easier to understand while giving young people developmentally appropriate ways to express themselves.

I draw from several proven therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strengths-based care, solution-focused techniques, and motivational interviewing. Along with these methods, I prioritize creating a safe space where clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Through empathy, active listening, and genuine rapport, I build trust while encouraging them to recognize and use their unique qualities when challenges arise.

I typically meet weekly or biweekly, depending on what best fits each child’s situation. I hold most sessions in person and offer telehealth when it’s age-appropriate.

Some resources I often recommend to parents include:

Low Demand Parenting by Amanda Diekman
The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene
BIFF for CoParent Communication by Billy Eddy, Annette Burns, and Kevin Chafin

My Counseling Beliefs & How I Measure Progress

I believe counseling is a collaborative and transformative process built on trust, compassion, and mutual respect. When children and families feel seen and accepted, they are more open to honest reflection, growth, and change. I see the therapeutic relationship as the foundation of lasting progress and strive to honor every client’s story, culture, and strengths throughout our time together.

Values like collaboration, empowerment, resilience, integrity, and professionalism guide my work. With these principles, I help young people recognize their abilities, boost confidence, and develop tools they can carry with them forever.

I also believe success in therapy can look different for every child. Early on, we set clear, meaningful goals together. Progress toward those goals, whether it’s improved emotional regulation, reduced anxiety, clearer communication, or healthier coping strategies, is a key indicator of success. I also consider how change manifests outside sessions, such as better behavior at home or school, stronger peer relationships, and feedback from parents and caregivers about how new skills are being used in daily life.

My Future Goals in the Mental Health Field

As I look ahead in my career, I want to continue growing as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) while making a real difference in the lives of kids, adolescents, and families. Ongoing learning is important to me, and I’m always looking for ways to expand the tools I bring into the therapy room.

One area I’m excited to explore further is art therapy, so I can expand opportunities for creative expression in sessions. I’m also interested in pursuing additional training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), a powerful approach that deepens understanding of the different parts of ourselves and our inner experiences.

In the long term, I plan to contribute to the mental health field by reducing stigma and encouraging preventative care for youth and families. By promoting education, early intervention, and open conversations about emotional wellness, I believe we can create communities where seeking guidance is viewed as a strength and a valuable part of overall well-being.

Who I Am Outside the Therapy Room

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors and staying active. I love hiking, going for relaxing walks, and keeping up with workouts at the gym. I’m also someone who enjoys traveling to new places, caring for my plants, and trying out different coffee shops whenever I get the chance.

Self-care is something I value deeply. Making time for exercise, fresh air, and rest keeps me balanced and energized, allowing me to be fully present for the children, adolescents, and families I support.

Contact me, Mariah Lowe, at (980) 430-4139.

If you're ready to give a different kind of therapy a shot, give us a call at Bright View Counseling!

We would love to schedule a time to talk to you more about how we can help! We serve clients throughout the Charlotte, NC area, providing quality grief counseling and depression therapy.