Holly Bender, LCSW, CTP, CCATP

A Note From Holly "Pain is painful" and "only through relationships can growth happen"... these are two foundational beliefs about the work of therapy that I hold dear. Helping young ones confront their abuse or understand their caretaker’s drug abuse cycle, for example, can be hard but I consider it a privilege and honor to walk with them through it. Being able to witness their growth and transformation over time, seeing tears fade and laughter resume, hearing bitter words replaced with loving kindness, or seeing fear overcome by confidence is the most rewarding experience a clinician could have. I was created to do this work, and all of the vast life experiences that I have had prepared me and grounded me in humility and love. I love my work and I love the kiddos and families who place their hope and trust in me and the process. Private Practitioner & Proud Grandma On top of being a dedicated and qualified professional in the field, Holly is a wife, mother, and very proud grandma who is wholeheartedly invested in helping distressed and broken families heal and come together to form more complete and meaningful connections that ultimately make the world a more loving and beautiful place for all. It is with this inspiration and motivation at heart that Holly continues to nurture and grow her private practice and to strengthen her connection to the families in surrounding communities each and every day. Connected and Invested Holly’s north country roots have been sewn and grown since 1995 when she first became a Potsdam Bear while successfully pursuing her B.A. in psychology. Over the years, her personal life in Gouverneur has been shaped by her love of family and friends and her deep connection to the region where she has built her home, grown her family, and raised her children. She has also built a reputable career. Through her professional endeavors, has become deeply embedded in the mental health and social services sectors where she has established a wide and trusted network of colleagues and supportive resources. Holly’s extensive knowledge of the local systems and state departments along with her many and varied connections throughout the community and region ensures that she’s wholly equipped to provide the best level of care to all who seek her out, even if that means being a resource or advocate. About Maple Grove Counseling, PLLC With more than 17 years of experience working with children and families in northern New York in clinical and systemic settings, Holly’s decision to move into private practice came as naturally as a sunrise. Though her experience working in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and within government departments has been invaluable, Holly’s heart is truly in this for the kids, and private practice is where she is able to make her greatest contribution. With the establishment of Maple Grove Counseling, PLLC in 2020, Holly has created a space where she can now work more completely and freely with families in need, providing a breadth and depth of services at her expert discretion. As a private practitioner based in Gouverneur, Holly offers a range of therapeutic services and modalities to meet the many and complex needs of children and families as well as adults who may have suffered childhood trauma. From play therapy and art therapy, to individual, family, and group counseling sessions, to advocacy services throughout the region, Maple Grove Counseling, PLLC offers an intimate setting and personalized approach for healing, growth, and the restoration of mental, emotional, and relational wellness among children and families. Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Certified Trauma Professional Certified Child & Adolescent Trauma Professional Education: Fordham University Master of Social Work, Clinical Concentration State University of NY at Potsdam Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Major Who We Help: Kiddos - Beautiful little souls shouldering problems that feel entirely too big. Teens/Adolescents - Young people (age 13-21) struggling to navigate change, growth, and expectations. Parents & Family Members - Along for the ride with your child and desperate to take the wheel or grappling with a trauma-related struggle of your own.