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Welcome! It takes courage to take the first steps to a happier life! I am really proud of you because you're worth it! My name is Dr. Mary Ellen Clifford, and I am a New York State Licensed Clinical Psychologist; Certification in Positive Psychology; New York State Certified School Psychologist and Certified Life/Health Coach. I hold a dual doctorate in Clinical and School Psychology; a Masters in Counseling Psychology; and a Masters in Education. I have been working with children, adolescents, adults and parents for over 20 years. I have extensive experience in a wide variety of issues, including working with individuals with depression and anxiety, relationship issues, health coaching, life transitions, parenting, high conflict divorce, parallel parenting / co-parenting, addiction/recovery and behavioral problems.
I utilize a highly individualized approach, and work within a multimodal approach to therapy, depending on your needs, goals and input. Modalities incorporated into therapy include yet not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (the way you think effects your behavior)Psychodynamic Therapy(how your childhood experiences effect you currently) ; Solution Focused Therapy and Acceptance/Commitment Therapy.
My style is interactive with compassion. Each of my Patients is treated with respect, empathy and warmth. You'll feel understood, listened to and appreciated. I hold the trust of my Patients within the upmost regard. You'll feel supported and validated and your self esteem and confidence will be lifted after our sessions. We'll actively work together to get you feeling whole again.
So, welcome to the Journey and it would be my pleasure and honor to work with you!
Professional experience
25yrs in practice
Stress, AnxietyTrauma, AbuseSelf esteem, MotivationDepressionCoping with life changes
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Avoidant personality, Blended family issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Drug and alcohol addiction, Eating and food-related issues, Emptiness, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Phobias, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Mary Clifford. 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.
Dr. Clifford is excellent! I was apprehensive about therapy, she made me feel very comfortable right from the get go and now I look forward to speaking with her every week. She is very knowledgeable, respectful, and I can tell she cares. She has really helped me change my life. Highly recommended her!
Written on Nov 30, 2024 after therapy with Mary for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and parenting issues
Dr. Clifford has a relaxed approach to therapy with an effective approach grounded in evidence enriched with her experiences helping individuals through various modalities. Two thumbs-up!
Written on Nov 26, 2024 after therapy with Mary for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Competent, empathetic, and personable.
Written on Nov 25, 2024 after therapy with Mary for 3 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Dr. Clifford is a wonderful listening ear who provides perspective that I may not have recognized without her guidance. Even on weeks where I am in a good mental space, I appreciate our sessions!
Written on Nov 03, 2024 after therapy with Mary for 1 year and 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Amazing.
Written on Oct 22, 2024 after therapy with Mary for 1 month on issues concerning trauma and abuse, parenting issues, anger management, and career difficulties
Dr. Clifford is warm, welcoming, and understanding. What a breath of fresh air! She clearly loves what she does and I leave sessions feeling seen, heard, and most importantly, helped.
Written on Sep 24, 2024 after therapy with Mary for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Dr Clifford is very passionate and easy to talk to. She encourages me to dwell on the positive things in my life and not the negative. She is always willing to listen to what I want to talk about and offers suggestions and support. I enjoy my time with Dr Clifford.
Written on Sep 08, 2024 after therapy with Mary for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Dr Clifford has been approachable and is a good listener. This is the first time I have worked with a therapist and she is a good person to start with
Written on Aug 27, 2024 after therapy with Mary for 1 month on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety
Dr Clifford is compassionate, calm and insightful. I’ve enjoyed the additional articles and quizzes that she incorporates into the therapy
Written on Jun 04, 2024 after therapy with Mary for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and compassion fatigue
I feel so very comfortable with Dr. Clifford as she listens with deep interest and concern of my current situation at work. She validates my concerns and makes me feel calm and collected during and after my sessions
Written on Mar 15, 2024 after therapy with Mary for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Very knowledgeable and helpful - asks the right questions and has a host of interdisciplinary knowledge to help you feel your best. All around great person :)
Written on Feb 02, 2024 after therapy with Mary for 10 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
I've only been working with Doctor Clifford for a short while. I find her very Professional, Supportive, And helpful. I appreciate that she sends me things to work on to clarify my goals and have honesty with myself about how I am viewing and approaching situations in my life. Also, her resources are helpful to define my values and goals.
She has a very positive outlook and I appreciate her imput. I look forward forward to our Sessions.
I feel my confidence is returning.
Written on Dec 20, 2023 after therapy with Mary for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Understands me in and out. In case of trouble, I'll message her and she always replies back with a very thorough and understanding response. Incredibly kind and thoughtful. Would highly recommend her to anyone as she is highly adaptable. Thank you Mary for your work!
Written on Dec 03, 2023 after therapy with Mary for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Although it’s only been two session with Dr. Clifford I feel very comfortable talking. I feel listen to if that makes sense. Very happy I found Better help therapy in my journey to become a better person.
Written on Nov 11, 2023 after therapy with Mary for 3 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
She is awesome! She is smart and kind!! Happy to have her in one of the most difficult times in my life.
Written on Nov 03, 2023 after therapy with Mary for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I deeply appreciate my therapy experience with Dr. Clifford. She is warm and welcoming, permitting me to feel comfortable sharing my stories, yet is able to challenge me, which I equally appreciate. Her unique background, and her approach (e.g., also posting a Monday message), serve as ways to connect/foster reflexion in more ways than one -therefore enhancing my experience. She is genuine, fun & serious, knowledgable and wise. I would recommand her without hesitation!
Written on Oct 31, 2023 after therapy with Mary for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
Dr. Clifford has been great and very supportive during my mental and emotional wellness journey. She also has lots of practical advice and tools. So is well versed in CBT, which I feel has been so instrumental for me in "turning the corner" of my journey. She is always kind and respectful and has a great sense of humor. I love her heart for God, and how she appropriately weaves in the spiritual when I need it-which I always need it! I am grateful to God for using her to help me. I so appreciate her experience and wisdom and the many tools used to help me get better.
Written on Aug 03, 2023 after therapy with Mary for 7 months
Dr. Clifford is clear as a bell. She listens actively and then responds with empathy, clarity and nuggets of wisdom that open up new doorways for me. She sends out messages every Monday that are extremely well written and piercingly helpful. I have a deep appreciation for her educational background and ocean of knowledge. Thank you.
Written on Jul 24, 2023 after therapy with Mary for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Dr Clifford is very professional. She understands me and knows which questions to ask to let me realize what I am going through. I noticed on several occasions that I am making progress.
Written on Jul 10, 2023 after therapy with Mary for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties
Dr Clifford is very talented and professional. She is amazing. I am so thankful that I have a wonderful therapist.
Written on Jun 05, 2023 after therapy with Mary for 4 months
Dr. Clifford is a caring and professional therapist. She has always approached our sessions with understanding. She has been helping me work through anxiety and depression issues. We have been focusing on CBT methods while also exploring the root of the issues. It's been so incredibly helpful.
Written on May 30, 2023 after therapy with Mary for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes
Dr Clifford was absolutely amazing she helped me through some tough times over the duration of the therapy and thank her for everything
Written on Apr 19, 2023 after therapy with Mary for 8 months on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Dr. Clifford is a wonderful help! She helps me narrow down exactly what I'm feeling and pinpoint why I'm feeling that way. Her explanations are always easy to understand and applicable. She always has extra resources to suggest to me and is clearly invested in helping me become a better version of myself!
Written on Mar 29, 2023 after therapy with Mary for 4 months
Dr. Clifford is amazing. She helped me work through a lot of negative thoughts and emotions. She provided a safe space for me to talk and vent comfortably without being judged. I felt heard and understood after a very long time. She is respectful and caring. She didn’t rush me into things and let me go at a slow pace that I wanted.
I would highly recommend her.
Written on Mar 24, 2023 after therapy with Mary for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and self esteem
Dr. Clifford,
Is very attentive. She takes the time to listen and provide feedback. She also suggests tools & worksheets, which helps to explain concepts & to edify clients on areas of concern for them. The worksheet also help clients to explore their thoughts & feelings, with the hope of identifying areas for improvement or at least to gain perspective and a better understanding.
Written on Mar 21, 2023 after therapy with Mary for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
Dr. Clifford is incredibly supportive, which makes talking to her much less scary and stressful for me. She’s also very open to my perspective and our communication has been very good. I’m looking forward to doing more therapy with her
Written on Jan 22, 2023 after therapy with Mary for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and adhd
Extremely helpful and intelligent. She is a great therapist. Totally recommend.
Written on Nov 19, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and sleeping disorders
Dr. Clifford is VERY, very positive and concerned. I never thought I needed therapy and it took me a while to finally do it. I also never realized how speaking with Dr. Clifford would help me so much.
Written on Sep 24, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and anger management
She’s the best
Written on Sep 12, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Dr. Clifford is an amazing therapist more importantly an amazing human being. She sees the best in us and nurtures that part of us and helps us focus on the positives in life.
Written on Sep 11, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and anger management
Dr. Clifford is incredible! When I talk to her I feel like I’m talking to a friend. She has helped me understand mental health and some of the science behind anxiety. She always has the right thing to say and includes useful worksheets into each session. I truly think everyone would benefit from a session with Dr. Clifford.
Written on Sep 10, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
Dr. Clifford is lovely and understanding. I feel safe expressing myself. She is patient and makes me feel listened.
Written on Sep 09, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
While I am only a few sessions into doing counseling with Dr. Clifford, I am already very grateful that I got paired with her. Having never done counseling before, I was a bit nervous but she has been wonderful. She is warm and encouraging. She deftly facilitates the conversation in a way that makes me feel like I have the freedom to say whatever I want but the confidence that she is helping direct us to places that might provide insight or growth
Written on Sep 04, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 3 weeks
I have been with Dr.Clifford for a while now and I'm really happy with her. I trust her and feel no judgement at all, I feel comfortable to talk to her about anything that's on mind. It feels great that I have her on hand whenever things get tough.
Written on Aug 29, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 2 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Dr. Clifford is the best therapist I have ever had! She is very action-oriented and knows exactly how to address my concerns. From our very first meeting, I felt a sense of forward movement and healing. I am so happy to have found her!
Written on Aug 26, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
I haven't been seeing Dr. Clifford for very long but she already makes me feel so welcome! I often feel like I am burdening others with my emotions, even when it comes to therapy, but Dr. Clifford creates such a safe, kind space that I know I can share easily in. Thank you Dr. Clifford!
Written on Aug 23, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Dr. Clifford was able to help me to figure out how to get out of traumatic memories that are causing great difficulty in my life. She also helped me to figure out how to balance my life to overcome the overwhelming life situations.
Written on Jul 10, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
All I could want from a virtual therapist.
Written on Jun 20, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 11 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coaching
Dr. Clifford is a good listener and very easy to talk. She has a lot of faith in her clients and always tries to encourage them to not be so hard on themselves. She is willing to meet you at you pace and take gradually steps towards being more confident.
Written on Jun 11, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 2 months
Dr. Clifford has helped me find clarity and tools to help with my anxiety, while being very professional, kind and real. She does not bullshit you but offer insights and knows what questions to ask for me to better navigate through my issues. Highly recommend.
Written on Jun 10, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and self esteem
Dr. Mary Clifford is friendly and easy to talk to with a sense of humor. It is only early, however so far she has listened well, and I believe she understands where I am coming from.
Written on Jun 08, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 3 weeks
Had a great experience. I've been suffering from a few issues for over a year that were debilitating and took a toll on my mental health, work, and family life. Dr. Clifford was warm, and caring and immediately pointed out the issue. That was the first step to getting my old self back. Great experience, and I can't honestly recommend her enough!!!
Written on Jun 07, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, grief, and career difficulties
Dr. Clifford is the best!
Written on May 23, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and grief
Dr. Clifford has been amazing and I am very happy to have found someone through BetterHelp that I can come to, talk to and feel heard and understood to work things out. I have been able to face my fears, anxieties, past trauma and little things I was not aware of myself, that has kept myself from being the true self. I now know that I can figure things out and make it better with the help of someone. Thank you Dr. Clifford for your thoughtful and supportive warm sessions I get to come to each week.
Written on May 08, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coaching
Dr. Clifford is amazing! She understands me so well, listens, and is patient. Betterhelp completely transformed my relationship with therapy and I owe a huge thank you to Dr. Clifford for also being a part of that! She is kind, educated, and patient. I couldn't ask for anything more!
Written on Apr 03, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
Mary is the best therapist ever.
Written on Feb 16, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 7 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and parenting issues
Dr. Clifford was extremely understanding and patient. She provided me with great exercises to help me think through and process issues I was working on. I would 100% recommend her!
Written on Feb 12, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Dr Clifford is highly professional and responsive in a timely manner. I have noted that her style of therapy really suits me well and has been highly effective in allowing me to make progress. She is always available and responsive, and someone who I would place complete trust in. I can compare to another therapist and say that the difference is enormous in terms of progress and that I would recommend Dr Clifford to anyone without any hesitation.
Written on Jan 17, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
Dr Clifford is a patient listener and fount of life-improving advice. Since talking to her, I have come to better understand my stresses and how to deal with them, and I find a sense of calm and clarity follows our sessions.
Written on Jan 13, 2022 after therapy with Mary for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and parenting issues
I spent a year searching for the right therapist and couldn’t find the right match. From the first session, I knew Dr. Clifford was the perfect match!
I started my sessions with Dr. Clifford about three months ago and she has been nothing short of amazing! It’s been such a pleasure to go on this insightful journey of self discovery and healing with her. She is so understanding, down to earth, supportive and she just gets it!! She gets me! I’ve made so much progress in these 3 months; I am excited to see what the “healed” version of myself looks like.
Written on Nov 23, 2021 after therapy with Mary for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, and self esteem
Mary listens, understands and emphasises with my circumstances and give helpful insights to help deal with issues. She supportive and has helped me.
Written on Nov 17, 2021 after therapy with Mary for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Mary is kind and listens to my concerns. She also has a sense of humor so things don’t always feel so heavy. She offers solutions and coping mechanisms that are workable. I look forward to our sessions together.
Written on Nov 15, 2021 after therapy with Mary for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Sessions with Mary have been incredibly helpful in my healing journey towards better mental health. First time ever in therapy and I couldn’t have wished for a better companion. 2 months later I feel heard, stronger, more confident in my abilities and familiar with several tools that I can reach for in case of need. Super grateful for being matched with Mary on this app, really can’t say thank you enough.
Written on Nov 08, 2021 after therapy with Mary for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Working with Dr Clifford has had a meaningful impact on my progression. She has helped me deepen my understanding, and identify tools to help deal with my symptoms. I believe she cares, and she seems to take a legitimate interest in seeing me become better.
Written on Oct 06, 2021 after therapy with Mary for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, career difficulties, and coaching
So far so good with Dr Clifford. It's early days, but I have a high level of confidence she will be able to help me navigate through my challenges.
Written on Oct 04, 2021 after therapy with Mary for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and coaching
Dr Clifford is professional, warm and very easy to talk to. Having had a few therapists, I’d never change in the future, now having met Dr Clifford. She’s fantastic!
Written on Aug 29, 2021 after therapy with Mary for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and anger management
I thoroughly enjoy my sessions and always feel better on the other side of my time with her.
Written on Aug 18, 2021 after therapy with Mary for 1 month on issues concerning depression, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and career difficulties
Dr. Clifford brings a warm, compassionate, down-to-earth presence. I had been looking for a professional who would hold space for me, is non-judgmental, genuine and would help bring out the resourcefulness within. In the few sessions we have had together, Dr. Clifford has exceeded my expectations. She helped me feel validated and supported through a recent trauma. She has given me the space to think out loud, asks thought-provoking questions, sparking meaningful insight and action and has managed to balance taking my issues seriously while also keeping things lighthearted when appropriate. Dr. Clifford offers insight in a masterful, respectful manner. She meets you where you are and gently nudges you to where you want to be. I am genuinely grateful to be connected with her, and I highly recommend working with her.
Written on Aug 13, 2021 after therapy with Mary for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, coping with life changes, and coaching
Dr Clifford is amazing! It’s been such a pleasure to go on this insightful journey of self discovery with her - she is so understanding, supportive and validating. She is such ray of sunshine and joy, that just engaging with her puts me in good spirits.
Written on Aug 10, 2021 after therapy with Mary for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Dr. Clifford is an amazing counselor who really understands my needs, gives great guidance, really cares, and is very effective. She and I have not done too many sessions yet, but she's already been of great help and I really appreciate her.
Written on Aug 07, 2021 after therapy with Mary for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Feel a quick connection with SDR Clifford. I don’t feel I ha e to spend much time or energy explaining what I am trying to say. She quickly gets it. Makes our time together productive, efficient and enjoyable
Written on Aug 02, 2021 after therapy with Mary for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, career difficulties, and coaching
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