- Guilt and shame
- Relationship strain
- Self-esteem work
About Mary
Mary Martin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia with three years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, low self-esteem, and life changes. Mary also lists concerns like abandonment, attachment issues, communication problems, and guilt and shame among her focus areas.
She uses straightforward, relationship-centered work to help people notice patterns that keep them stuck. Sessions often involve talking through difficult feelings and practicing clearer communication. Mary emphasizes building kinder self-talk and stronger connections with others over time.
Mary pays particular attention to issues that show up around pregnancy and childbirth and to concerns commonly raised by women. She helps clients untangle shame or guilt that comes from relationships, past choices, or family expectations. Conversations aim to be direct and practical rather than abstract.
Her style is collaborative: she and the client look at what’s causing stress and try small, practical changes. That might include practicing new ways to speak up, tracking moments of harsh self-judgment, or testing different responses in daily life. Progress is measured in real-world shifts rather than theory alone.
People who choose her often want a therapist who focuses on connection, clearer communication, and dealing with persistent shame or guilt. Before booking, confirm current session options so they match your needs and schedule.
How Mary integrates therapeutic approaches with online work
Mary describes her work as grounded in relationship-focused, evidence-based techniques that help people change patterns and manage intense feelings. One approach she uses is a relational style that highlights how current connections reflect past attachment patterns; this helps when someone feels stuck repeating the same interactions or struggling with abandonment fears. Another common strand is practical emotion work that names shame or guilt, tracks when it appears, and tries small behavioral experiments to test new responses. These methods help with anxiety, low self-esteem, and relationship strain.Finding the right mix of techniques is collaborative. Mary works with each client to decide which approaches fit their goals and day-to-day life. She adjusts methods as sessions progress, checking in about what feels helpful and what needs changing.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into work or family schedules, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time. They also let people continue work during major life changes such as pregnancy or relocation. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and communication practice to an online setting so progress happens in everyday life rather than only during sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, low self-esteem, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include attachment, abandonment, communication problems, guilt and shame, and pregnancy and childbirth.
How would she approach feelings of shame or guilt?
She uses relationship-focused conversation to identify patterns that keep shame present and practices concrete communication and self-talk changes to reduce its daily impact.
What is her background and experience?
She holds an LCSW and has three years of clinical experience working with adults on mood, relationship, and transition-related concerns.
Where is she licensed and practicing?
She is a Virginia LCSW and practices in Virginia.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.