About Mary Cooney Buma
Welcome
I am a New York–based counselor, speaker, and guide who believes deeply in the power of awareness, reflection, and compassionate support to create meaningful change.
​
Born and raised in Queens, New York, I come from a strong, hardworking family where resilience, humor, and heart were part of everyday life. Like many people, I spent years moving quickly, striving, and doing what was expected — until life invited me to slow down, listen inward, and realign with what truly mattered. That inner shift became the foundation of my work today.
​
I support individuals, couples & families who are navigating transitions, emotional overwhelm, grief, stress, identity shifts, or a quiet sense that “something needs to change.” My role is not to fix you — but to walk beside you as you reconnect with your clarity, strength, and inner wisdom.
​
I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work (LMSW) and am trained in trauma-informed approaches, including EMDR, EFT, and holistic modalities. My work weaves together emotional awareness, practical insight, and spiritual understanding to help you move forward with confidence and grounded self-trust.
​
In our work together, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore, reflect, and gently untangle what no longer serves you — so you can live with greater peace, balance, and intention.
​
At the heart of everything I do is a simple belief:
You are not broken. You are becoming.
​
Why seek therapy and a path of healing?
There are times in our life where we can use perspective. There are difficulties and moments of crisis and Indecision, and for many there is a sense of Imposter Syndrome.
​
At those times of our life, the best decisions don’t always get made. I am here to tell you that you don’t have to go alone. I am here as a sounding board to help you assess aspects of your personal and professional life.
​​​
I will help intervene in times of crisis and help steer you back if you feel you are drifting off course. If you are feeling anxious or depressed or in a relationship crisis, I can help you shore up your resources and reclaim your power and sense of worth.
​
My background and education is trauma sensitive. I bring a great awareness to clients who suffer from PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder), and other traumatic life events. I became a counselor after realizing that I was always the SOS person that people turned to in times of crisis. You also don’t have to be in crisis or traumatized to seek help. There are plenty of people who do not feel like they are at their 100% best or perhaps feel paralyzed by burnout and indecision or a general feeling that there must be more to life. I am here to help you uncover your light and step into the life you were meant to have. I am honored to do this work and I so love witnessing transformation.
Mary Cooney Buma
LMSW, Helix Practitioner– Counselor & Speaker
Specialties:
Anger
Anxiety
Childhood Wounds & Trauma
Depression
Relationship Conflicts
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Life Stage Transitions
Grief
Boundaries and Co-dependency
Communication
Shame
Confidence
Stress Management
Burnout
Imposter Syndrome
Self-Worth/Self Esteem
Discovering and Owning your Purpose
Exploring Spirituality
Developing Resilience
Education:
Hunter School of Social Work - Master of Social Work -1997
NY State License Master of Social Work ( LMSW) Lincense # 115403
Helix Training Program 2004-2007.
Post Graduate work focused on Eastern & Western Psychology and energy work. Dream Interpretation using Gestalt & Jungian dream analysis. Spiritual exploration using core energetic techniques and Shamanism.
Coach University
Core Essential Track Completed March 2013
Professional Essential Completed October 2014
Myers Brigg Type Indicator Certification. Step I & II.
Completed December 2009
Dharma Yoga- Life of a Yogi 200 hour Teacher Certification. December 2013
Additional Training & Modalities
​
I am trained in a wide range of supportive and integrative approaches including: Mindfulness-Based Practices, EMDR-Informed Care, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Coaching, and Reiki.
I draw from both clinical and holistic traditions to meet each individual with care, depth, and flexibility. I believe healing is not one-size-fits-all, and I thoughtfully integrate tools and perspectives to support growth, clarity, and emotional well-being.
Therapeutic Modalities
CBT
CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a common type of talk therapy, where I will work with you in a structured way, CBT helps you become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking so you can view challenging situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way. CBT can be a very helpful tool — either alone or in combination with other therapies health disorders, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or an eating disorder. But not everyone who benefits from CBT has a mental health condition. CBT can be an effective tool to help anyone learn how to better manage stressful life situations.
EMDR
EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an evidence based psychotherapy intervention that uses bilateral movements combined with talk therapy in a specific and structured format. EMDR helps you process the negative images, emotions, beliefs and body sensations associated with traumatic memories that seem to be stuck. EMDR has been shown to contribute to healing a wide range of mental health Issues.
EFT
EFT- Emotional Freedom Technique is a somatic intervention to reduce psychological distress through self-stimulation of acupoints on the face and upper body while focusing on sensations in the body, or a distressing thought or feeling. EFT tapping works to regulate the nervous system. It can be used as a supplement to existing therapeutic interventions and can also be learned as a self-help technique for immediate relief of distress.
MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness - according to Jon Kabat Zinn “is an awareness that arises through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally. In the service of self-understanding and wisdom.” Mindfulness is being aware of internal thoughts, feelings, and emotions, as well as external surroundings and situations, without automatic responses such as judgment or stress. Mindfulness therapy is a type of talk therapy that focuses on learning how to be more aware and to reduce automatic responses.
COACHING
Coaching - I completed my coaching credentials with Coach University, an ICF- International Coach Federation accredited school. Coaching is about helping people reframe issues and get unstuck. It is goal oriented and focuses on creating tangible steps to unlock your personal and professional power to be the very best version of yourself.