Mary’s sense of call into the field of counseling occurred after experiencing the tragic death of her spouse and facing the real challenges of rebuilding her own life. Eventually, she also faced the challenges often associated with remarriage and blending families. All these experiences shaped Mary into having “a greater heart of compassion for the hurts and needs of others.”

Mary graduated from Bethel University with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology in 1996.

Her experience includes counseling patients and families receiving hospice services related to terminal illness; grief counseling as an associate with a funeral home; and for the past 12 years providing psychotherapy in an outpatient mental health setting. Mary has worked with children/adolescents, adults, couples and families who face real life challenges, problems and/or mental health concerns. Mary has clinical experience working with clients on a wide variety of psychological, emotional, relational, behavioral and spiritual issues. She has worked with people who suffer from adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, abuse, anger mismanagement, post-traumatic stress, parenting, marital conflicts, divorce, blended family challenges, communication issues and more. Her passion is helping people develop self-awareness, building on their personal strengths and examining life from a holistic perspective which invites people to discover God’s design for life that offers hope and gives deeper, lasting meaning. Mary’s approach integrates psychological concepts, skills and strategies with Biblical principles in addressing the psychological, social, physical and spiritual issues of health.

She utilizes cognitive behavioral strategies and family systems concepts. Research indicates that while techniques and strategies are important: in the process of therapy, more important is the relationship created between the client and therapist for bringing about healing and change. Mary offers compassion, active listening and respect for each client. She invites clients to include Christian principles in their therapy work but allows each client to make that determination. She feels honored and excited to witness clients’ in their journey of healing and self discovery through the therapy process.

Experience
Mary is a LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) and received her Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Bethel University. She received her undergraduate BA in Social Work from The College of Si. Catherine. Mary has been certified by the American Academy of Bereavement as a Bereavement Facilitator. She has developed and facilitated Grief Groups for adults. In addition, Mary has been a presenter for workshops/seminars on topics related to mental health. Mary is trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for treating children/adolescents suffering from trauma and loss. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.