Hello! I’m Marah Pense, founder of Hope Overall – Coaching & Training. I meet people at all stages of life, and after nearly a decade and a half of walking with individuals through life’s most difficult challenges in counseling, I wanted to explore ways to help people take the next steps after therapy. I have guidance to offer for each unique stage and season of life, but the greatest answer I share is hope in Jesus.
With my mental health background, I help clients make informed decisions about what support is right for them—whether that’s counseling, coaching, or another resource. I also provide trainings that draw on years of experience, sharing practical knowledge about thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a way that is clear, actionable, and relevant.
My approach is hands-on, client-centered, and faith-based. I focus on coping skills, strategies, and practical exercises, often with guided homework, so clients leave each session with tools they can use immediately. My goal is to help people gain a better understanding of their current stage in life and set clear, meaningful goals moving forward.
Beyond my professional life, I live in the Philippines with my two adopted daughters. I love the island life, warm weather, and exploring local food and coffee spots. Watching my daughters grow from a history of trauma and abuse into independent, community-focused young women brings me daily joy and inspires my work. We enjoy road trips, beach adventures, and all the little moments that make life vibrant.
As a missionary, counselor, adoptive mother, and Christian, my personal and professional experiences are intertwined. Seeing my girls blossom gives me courage and drives my commitment to bring hope and encouragement to others. My work is built on this belief: no matter the season or challenge, growth, healing, and renewed hope are possible.
I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.
Hope Overall is for individuals, families, leaders, and organizations who are ready for change. This includes young adults navigating identity and direction, parents seeking healthier family patterns, leaders wanting emotionally healthy spaces, and groups or organizations committed to building supportive, whole communities. It is especially suited for those who desire growth, healing, and a deeper understanding of who they are.
Hope Overall uniquely connects practical life skills with Christian beliefs and godly principles. With a background in mental health, coaching and training are offered in a way that is thoughtful, ethical, and holistic. Support is customized to your needs—addressing emotional, relational, spiritual, and practical aspects of life rather than focusing on one area alone.
Working together often feels like a guided brainstorming and reflection process—a space for listening, sharing stories, gaining insight, and identifying clear next steps. Sessions include practical tools, strategies, and collaborative planning. When helpful, assignments, resources, and reminders are provided between sessions to support continued growth.
This work is grounded in honesty, integrity, and healthy boundaries. The goal is to create a space where clients feel safe, respected, and confident in sharing both struggles and goals. The coaching relationship is intentional, reliable, and built on trust.
A simple place to begin is by exploring the Hope Overall blog, where you can learn more about the topics addressed through coaching and training. You are also invited to schedule a 30-minute “Next Step Assessment”, an introductory session designed to help discern whether coaching is the right fit and what support may best serve you at this time.