Mary Downer , LISW

Mary Downer is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with 17 years of experience supporting children, teens, and parents through a range of emotional and behavioral challenges. She brings extensive experience working with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, Autism, and ADHD, and she draws on that background to tailor care to each individual and family.

As an LISW - which stands for Licensed Independent Social Worker - she emphasizes collaboration, recognizing that each person is the expert on their own story and has strengths to draw on during change. Her approach is open minded and nonjudgmental, focused on identifying barriers that prevent clients from reaching their fullest potential and building practical strategies to address them.

Mary prioritizes a supportive therapeutic relationship that honors clients goals and pace. She aims to make the process of seeking help less overwhelming by offering steady guidance and encouragement as clients work toward clearer thinking, improved coping, and healthier relationships. Mary is committed to meeting people where they are and helping them move toward meaningful change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Accessible Online Care

Mary Downer uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - a practical, goal-oriented approach that helps people identify and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. CBT is often used for issues such as anxiety, depression, panic, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and stress by teaching skills for managing symptoms and improving daily functioning.

She also incorporates Trauma-Focused Therapy, which centers on recognizing and processing the impact of traumatic events and abuse. This approach helps people reduce trauma-related symptoms, build coping skills, and regain a sense of safety and control after distressing experiences.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Mary works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors strategies over time and adjusts plans based on what is most helpful for each person.

Online therapy with a licensed professional offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier for clients to access consistent support, maintain continuity of care, and engage in therapy in ways that suit their daily lives.