Mary Sudduth , LCSW

Mary Sudduth is a licensed clinical social worker with 16 years of practice who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, grief, and life transitions. She brings a practical, down-to-earth style to sessions and aims to help people find clearer steps forward. Mary works with individuals facing addiction, mood concerns, caregiving strain, and relationship or family tensions, and she lists Women's issues among her specialties.

Her approach centers on what will help a person feel better in day-to-day life. Mary uses client-centered conversations to understand each person’s priorities. She draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to spot patterns of thought and behavior that cause trouble. She also uses psychodynamic ideas to look at how past experiences shape current habits.

Mary’s background includes a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and licensure as an LCSW in Virginia. She has worked across healthcare, mental health, substance-use settings, nonprofits, and higher education. That mix shaped her focus on practical tools and problem solving that fit a person’s life.

In sessions she often teaches relaxation and coping skills, offers worksheets or exercises, and helps people set small, manageable goals. Mary adapts sessions to what an individual needs, whether that means short-term problem solving or longer work on patterns and meaning.

People who prefer a straightforward, experienced clinician who emphasizes usable skills and personal understanding may find her style helpful. She offers sessions by video, phone, live chat, and text messaging to fit different schedules and needs.

Approaches and online therapy that fit your life

Mary commonly blends client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to meet people where they are. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and building understanding so the person sets the pace and goals. Cognitive behavioral therapy looks at how thoughts and behaviors keep problems going and teaches practical ways to change those patterns to reduce anxiety or improve mood.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss your needs, goals, and preferences and suggest which methods to try first. That plan can change as you learn what helps, and sessions can mix different approaches based on progress and personal comfort.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls let you have longer, face-to-face sessions for deeper conversations. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or when you prefer not to be on camera. Live chat and text-based messaging are useful for brief check-ins, quick problem solving, or fitting support into a busy day. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent while juggling work, caregiving, or medical appointments.