- CBT and trauma-focused
- 17 years experience
- Ohio LISW
About Mary
Mary Downer is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with 17 years of experience. She focuses on practical, down-to-earth help for stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, ADHD, and relationship and parenting concerns.
She approaches sessions with respect for each person's story and strengths. Mary keeps conversations straightforward and collaborative. She aims to make the first step less overwhelming and to help people build tools that fit their daily life.
Her work draws on approaches that address unhelpful thinking and the impact of traumatic events. Sessions often include simple strategies to manage mood, reduce panic, and handle anger or compulsive behaviors. Mary also supports people facing caregiving strain, compassion fatigue, grief, and questions about life purpose.
People come for help with communication problems, control issues, isolation, and managing symptoms linked to autism or intellectual disability. She also assists with concerns related to pregnancy and childbirth, and coping after natural or human-caused disasters.
Mary provides an open-minded, nonjudgmental space where clients set the pace. She encourages practical steps between sessions and helps track progress over time. Her goal is to help people move toward clearer goals and more manageable daily routines.
How CBT and Trauma-Focused Work Translate to Online Sessions
Mary uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and try different, practical behaviors. CBT often involves short, focused tasks and skill practice that people can use between sessions to reduce anxiety, panic, or depressive symptoms.She also uses Trauma-Focused Therapy to address the effects of past traumatic events. This approach focuses on understanding how trauma shows up now and building specific coping strategies to reduce distress and improve day-to-day functioning.
Deciding which approach to use is a team effort. Mary will discuss your goals and preferences and suggest a path that fits your needs. That plan can change as progress is made or priorities shift, with the therapy tailored through ongoing conversation.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the available session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people use techniques in their usual environments and move more quickly from learning skills in session to practicing them in real life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
17+ years
Credentials
Ohio
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Mary commonly address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, ADHD, and relationship and parenting concerns. Additional focuses include grief, compassion fatigue, and mood or panic issues.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Mary uses a practical, collaborative approach. She works in plain language, helps people set goals, and offers strategies to use between sessions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 17 years of professional experience working in social work roles that address a wide range of behavioral health needs.
What credential and location information is listed?
Mary holds an LISW credential and provides services from Ohio.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does cost and scheduling work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working with her?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.