About Mary (she/her/hers)

Mary is a Registered Social Worker with over forty years of experience working mostly in hospital based Mental Health facilitating individuals, couples and families to achieve well-being and their personal best. She earned her Masters in Social Work from Michigan State University and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, the Ontario Association of Social Workers and the International Society of Interpersonal Psychotherapy.

Mary has lectured at both the college and university level, supervised and trained Psychology Interns, Psychiatry Residents and Social Work Students in Interpersonal Psychotherapy. Mary is an interviewer for the Medical Admissions Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario.

Mary is trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and informed Dialectical Behavioural Therapy. Mary is also well experienced in facilitating group therapy. Mary was a member of the teams that developed and implemented the Adult Anxiety and Affective Disorders Program and the Child and Adolescent Day Treatment Program specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression and psychosis at London Health Sciences Center.

In addition to working at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) with both adult and adolescent populations, Mary has maintained a private practice since 1990. Since retiring from LHSC in 2016, Mary’s private practice has thrived and is now full time.

Whether you are an individual or a couple struggling with a past or present relationship, dealing with a recent loss, grief or life transition, a parent worried about your child or children, or if you feel like you could use some stress management or support, I am available to help.

Treatment Philosophy

Life is a balancing act, and sometimes we need a little guidance and support to maintain that balance. An experienced therapist can help us move through difficult times, better understand our families and relationships, and find our inner sense of peace, well being and wisdom. Having a neutral, non-judgmental place to share difficulties and receive validation and support can be very beneficial.

Collaboration to reach your goal is an essential element of our work together. The client brings open communication and a desire for change. I will listen unconditionally and without judgment. I will work with you to help you hear your inner voice and nurture your resilience. Sessions are confidential and provide a safe and relaxed environment with your best interests as a priority.

My counselling approach begins with a thorough assessment. This will include gathering information about social supports, daily routines and self care. Once problems are clarified, a detailed plan for counselling is made. Family or close supports are welcome to join sessions as desired. Please note that all counselling sessions will include confidential discussions and note-taking. At the initial session we will discuss consent to services, protection of your personal information and exceptions to confidentiality.

Individual Counselling:

Assisting ADULTS and TEENS with:
•  Reducing emotional struggles with depression, anxiety, irritability, grief or trauma
•  Building greater self confidence and self esteem
•  Dealing with pressures/expectations
•  Adapting to a life transition (e.g., job change, move, divorce, separation)
•  Resolving conflict
•  Working through grief/loss
•  Developing a stronger couple relationship

Couple Counselling:

Assisting COUPLES in their relationship when one or both partners are:
•  Missing the closeness/cherished feelings they once had
•  Feeling neglected/angry/resentful/lonely
•  Feeling controlled
•  Feeling criticized
•  Arguing/fighting excessively
•  Wounded by infidelity

I will work closely with you and your partner to understand the issues causing difficulty in your partnership. This active process will assist you in finding the problematic patterns in your relationship and find effective solutions. There may be times during the course of couples therapy that I will request to meet with each of you individually.

Family Counselling:

Family therapy is similar to couples counselling in that it is a process that uncovers problematic patterns within the family. Work is done together or at times with specific family members.

Assisting FAMILY MEMBERS to:
•  Create opportunities to repair parent/child relationships
•  Develop positive co-parenting strategies
•  Build communication skills, including improved listening
•  Navigate blended family issues
•  Build parenting and attachment skills

Fees and payment:
Registered Social Work (RSW) fees are often covered and receipts for services will be provided. Please check with your extended health insurance provider to see if your plan covers RSW fees. RSW services are eligible for tax deductions. For more information, please visit www.cra.gc.ca/medical. Please call me for information regarding rates for individual, family or couple counselling. Fees are payable at the time of each session using Interac email money transfer (EMT), cheque or cash.

Cancellations:
All cancellations must be made a minimum of 24 hours prior to your appointment time to avoid any cancellation fee.

Clinic hours:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in London Ontario and Saturdays in Ingersoll, Ontario. Evening appointments or alternative days in London can be arranged upon request. For more information and/or to arrange an initial assessment, please contact me at: 519-433-8400.

Please be aware during COVID-19, I will be conducting either telephonic or virtual sessions.