Mary Widseth

Mary Widseth is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who focuses on trauma-focused work alongside practical, person-centered care. She helps adults sort through stress, grief, anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, and struggles with addiction or mood concerns. Her background also includes special attention to parenting, sleep problems, ADHD, and navigating life transitions.

Mary holds a master’s degree in Community Psychology and Rehabilitation Counseling. She also completed a certificate in Autism and earned a bachelor’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation. Early in her career she supported adults with cognitive, physical, or communication challenges in work settings. That work included on-the-job coaching, coordinating with employers, and using tools like picture books and sign language when needed.

After graduate school she delivered in-home therapy for children ages 7 to 18 and their caregivers for two years, then spent two years as a mental health therapist in an office setting working with adults and children. She has experience helping people with behavior and emotional regulation, communication, social and family relationships, and improving daily functioning.

In sessions she uses straightforward methods drawn from Trauma-Focused Therapy, client-centered work, cognitive behavioral steps, dialectical behavior skills, and emotionally-focused strategies. She emphasizes clear communication, small practical steps, and adapting techniques to each person’s abilities and needs.

Mary works in Minnesota and conducts her work in English. People who want to begin can follow the Start Therapy process on the site to be matched and schedule an initial appointment.

How trauma-informed and skills-based approaches work online

Trauma-Focused Therapy aims to help people process distressing memories and reduce their ongoing impact. In practice this can mean pacing conversations, grounding exercises, and teaching ways to manage intense reactions so daily life becomes more manageable.

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the person’s experience and priorities. The therapist listens without judgment, reflects what she hears, and follows the client’s lead to set goals that feel meaningful and realistic.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact. It uses simple tools like tracking thought patterns, testing assumptions, and trying small behavioral changes to reduce anxiety or depressive symptoms.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, values, and goals. That decision can change as therapy progresses, and adaptations are made together.

For practical online work, confirm the session formats offered before booking. Many people find online counseling helps fit therapy into busy schedules, allows shorter check-ins when needed, and makes it easier to use teaching tools and worksheets during a session. Talk with the therapist about what will best fit your routine and comfort.