Mary Smith , LICSW

Mary Smith is a licensed independent clinical social worker, LICSW, with 15 years of experience. She focuses on practical help for stress, anxiety, depression, and struggles with self-esteem. She also supports people navigating parenting challenges and life changes.

Her sessions aim to be warm and nonjudgmental. She encourages clear, honest talk about thoughts and feelings. The emphasis is on small, manageable steps clients can try between sessions.

Mary blends evidence-based methods to fit each person. She uses strategies from acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce unhelpful thinking and increase valued action. Motivational interviewing and solution-focused techniques help clients find momentum and build on strengths.

She has particular experience around issues tied to relationships and identity, such as attachment concerns, abandonment, adoption and foster care questions, blended family dynamics, and communication problems. She also addresses body image, guilt and shame, dissociation, and caregiver stress in practical ways.

Sessions are conversational and aimed at real-world change. Mary works with clients to set clear goals and track progress. She helps people develop coping skills they can use when life gets hard.

Evidence-informed approaches delivered online

Mary frequently uses acceptance and commitment therapy, which helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings while focusing on what matters most to them. ACT is useful for stress, anxiety, and making values-based choices in everyday life.

She also draws on cognitive behavioral therapy to identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. CBT provides clear strategies for managing low mood, anxiety, and problems with self-esteem.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Mary helps clients choose methods based on their goals, needs, and preferences. She adapts techniques so they make sense for each person and checks in regularly to see what is helping.

Online therapy offers flexible options like video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video is good for face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can fit a break at work or require less bandwidth. Live chat or text messaging can work for short check-ins, quick problem-solving, or when writing feels easier than speaking. These formats make it simpler to fit therapy into a busy life.