I believe the right fit is extremely important in choosing a therapist. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), with 25 + years of experience working in a variety of settings. My academic studies were completed at St. Cloud State University with undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Communication and a Master’s degree in Community Counseling. My work experience includes private practice therapist, hospital emergency department clinician, college counselor, mental health insurance case manager, adoption supervisor, trauma therapist, hospice social worker and grief group facilitator.
My approach is person centered with a strong emphasis on trauma and loss. Past experiences have an impact on our daily functioning, coloring our view both positively and negatively. Unresolved grief and negative experiences can impact an individual years after the event. By addressing these issues in therapy, individuals can reclaim their decision-making power, make choices in their life out of fullness rather than as a reaction to internal strife.
My therapeutic approach is influenced by the Peso Boyden Psychodynamic Theory (trauma focus), Client Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I use a combination of techniques from these theoretical approaches to guide and direct therapy.
Using therapeutic skills to identify feelings, thoughts and beliefs help to increase self-awareness. The Client sets the pace as unresolved areas of pain are recognized and named. Specific techniques are offered to aid in emotional resolution. This process reduces symptoms allowing the individual to regain a sense of control.
In addition to therapy, I also teach clients self-advocacy skills. I enjoy helping them successfully navigate complex systems to get their needs met. These may include conflicts with health, school, insurance and long- term care organizations.
Additional areas of focus: Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Blended family issues, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
MN LICSW 12949
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Mary Christian. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Mary has been great - I had seen other therapists previously, but she really helped me sort things out and identify feelings and how to deal with them - for the better!! She is very professional and compassionate and really cares about her people. I would highly recommend her!
Written on Aug 18, 2023 after therapy with Mary for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and family conflicts
Mary is a great listener, jotting down notable things to keep up with prior conversations and add depth as we dive in. She is also very personable and sweet!
Written on Jan 09, 2023 after therapy with Mary for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
As someone who has sought counseling in undergrad, grad school, and now adulthood… Mary has been by far the most helpful. She’s realistic, listens and reflects back wholeheartedly, and is very skilled in her theory knowledge and relationship dynamics to help name and identify how the past and present relate, with doable action items to tackle in between sessions. Mary is warm, open, honest, and understanding. Very grateful!
Written on Sep 20, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and anger management
Mary is there for me during my transitions. I’m glad to have her during challenging time. Sometime we explores and sometime focuses on the issue I bring up. I feel listened and understood. She’s also quick on responding to my messages. Whenever I feel something strong and want to share with her, she also makes me feel better.
Written on Aug 11, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
Mary offers real-time strategies for working with myself in challenging situations, and she’s really phenomenal at helping me feel seen, heard, understood, and validated. I don’t feel judged by her when speaking about choices I’m not proud of, and she’s great at exploring how I’ve learned my automatic behavior patterns so I can re-train myself now as an adult and not feel limited by my own perceptions.
Written on Aug 09, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Mary is so kind and welcoming. She always is there with a listening ear and follows up with me.
Written on May 23, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 2 months on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety