Tim sits down with Rachael Maher, founder of Little Bear Counseling in Bozeman, Montana, to talk about what it really takes to grow—both as a person and as a professional. Rachael shares how her own experience in therapy led her down this path, why she’s passionate about helping other counselors thrive, and how attachment theory shapes the heart of her work.
From Personal Growth to Professional Practice
Rachael didn’t always plan to become a therapist. In her early twenties, she was feeling lost, disconnected, and unsure of her next step. That’s when she decided to try therapy for the first time. “I thought, ‘This is why people go to therapy,’” she says.
That experience changed everything. It led to grad school, volunteering at Bozeman’s Help Center, and eventually launching her own private practice. Over time, she built Little Bear Counseling—not just as a space for clients, but as a place where therapists could grow and do meaningful work.
The Power of Attachment
Little Bear Counseling is grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a model rooted in attachment theory. “From the cradle to the grave, we’re wired for attachment,” Rachael says. She explains how disruptions in attachment—especially early in life—can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
But there’s good news. “People tend to trend toward growth,” she says. “When we’re surrounded by secure enough relationships, we start to heal. We’re wired to grow.”
Breaking the Stigma
Starting therapy can feel uncomfortable. Rachael gets it. “Just because it’s uncomfortable doesn’t mean it’s bad,” she says. “Expect it to feel weird. That’s part of it.”
She encourages anyone looking for a therapist to explore their options: “Look for someone whose bio speaks to what you’re going through—not just someone who talks about themselves.”
The Sleep Connection
Rachael also offers CBTI (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) at Little Bear. It’s an evidence-based, short-term therapy that focuses on sleep improvement—often in just a few sessions. “If you’re not sleeping well, everything else suffers,” she says. “Sometimes people think they’re depressed, but they’re just exhausted.”
CBTI involves personalized sleep tracking, identifying patterns, and making targeted adjustments that can make a big difference fast.
What She’s Learned
When asked what this work has taught her, Rachael doesn’t hesitate: “We’re more alike than we think. And when people are vulnerable, everybody’s likable.”
She’s also found that growth is never finished. “It’s not a milepost. The work constantly pushes me into uncomfortable places—and that’s where the good stuff is.”
To learn more about Little Bear Counseling or to book with one of their therapists, visit: https://www.littlebearcounseling.com
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