There is somewhere else you are meant to go from here. Counseling for grief, change, uncertainty.
who specializes in working with clients who have tried counseling before...
but are now seeking a more meaningful or transformative experience.
Let's discover where life is taking you next.
You landed on this site for a reason. Like all of us at some point in this life, you may be feeling stuck, lost, even hopeless. You may be gripped by anxiety, worry, doubt, fear, or numbness. Maybe you are unsure about a relationship you are in or you are still haunted by one from the past. Or perhaps you are in a transition in your life and your identity has felt fractured.
These crises present opportunities for you to seek solace, comfort, and to be heard....really heard, maybe for the first time in your life. And, you may have sought counseling in the past, but the experience wasn't quite what you were looking for (maybe the therapeutic relationship felt too stiff or impersonal, maybe you felt like you didn't experience real change, or maybe you don't know why it didn't yield the results you wanted, but you just didn't feel better afterwards).
Call me and be open to being surprised at how much better you can feel! I utilize Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Psychodynamic, Trauma-Informed Treatment, & Humanistic and Person-Centered Approaches to provide YOU with integrative and holistic care.
Insurance or self pay accepted. Check SERVICES page for more information.
"Words cannot adequately express the positive impact Mary has had on my life. When I stumbled upon Mary, I was grappling with a storm of confusion, overthinking, and anxiety that seemed to cloud every aspect of my life. From our very first session, her warm and empathic demeanor instantly put me at ease. It felt like talking to a trusted friend who also happens to possess wisdom and expertise. If you are seeking a therapist who genuinely cares about your growth, who listens intently, and who empowers you to find your own solutions, Mary is the perfect choice. *****" ~Namitha
"I've seen many therapists over the years, and I believe Mary has been by far the best in her way of uncovering what's really going on inside of me, and being compassionate yet truthful in her feedback. I always leave with a deeper understanding of myself and something to think about moving forward." ***** ~Robert
"Mary has literally saved my life in a way that I can't express in words. It's like she knows what's going on with me before I even speak, and yet I also feel it's so easy and comfortable talking with her. I love her office, and it's a space of beauty and warmth."***** Maggie
"I have been seeing Mary for over a year. She is a great counselor. She is genuinely caring and compassionate. She has always made me feel very comfortable talking out my thoughts and helping me understand my feelings. She has been monumentally helpful in improving my mental health by helping me identify my issues and suggesting constructive ways to work on them. Because of her I have a newfound positive perspective on life." ***** - SP
"Mary is an amazing counselor who listens thoroughly and responds based on the needs of her clients. She is very friendly, open-minded, and supportive in her approach. I really appreciated her always going above and beyond to better connect with me. She is so client-oriented because she truly cares."
*****- Kristine
"My time with Mary was enlightening, and I always looked forward to our sessions. Her and her office quickly became a safe place for me. She worked with me through traumatic experiences, while offering helpful tools to mediate symptoms associated with my mood disorder. Mary is so kind, insightful, and a healer at heart."*****~ Hannah
Specialties listed below.
Expertise also in working with clients addressing:
Anxiety & Depression
College/Graduate Student Mental Health
Stress (with Family, Work, Health)
Trauma (Childhood and/or Adult)
Divorce/Relationships (Individuals only, not couples)
Life Transitions
Self-Esteem & Identity
Psychoanalysis, Internal Family Systems, Depth Psychology
Mediocre counseling can be characterized by a lack of empathy (therapist may have come across as disinterested, detached, or disengaged), which may have resulted in a suboptimal therapeutic experience for you. You may have found the therapist was not able to effectively communicate with you or actively listen, may have not been able to tailor their approach to meet your needs, or offered little constructive feedback or guidance. They may have said that they were at a loss at how to help you. How this can be turned around for you is to have a therapist who can build a strong relationship with you, show you genuine empathy, validate your concerns, provide clear and meaningful feedback, collaborate with you on your goals, provide a safe and inclusive environment for you, and adhere to ethical guidelines to maintain your trust and professional experience for you.
College Student Counseling
While college can be an exciting experience, students today face a range of challenges, which can have a significant impact on their well-being and academic success. Some of the main mental health issues that I’ve worked with students on include anxiety, depression, stress, substance use, attention difficulties, sleep disorders, loneliness and social isolation, trauma and PTSD, identity issues, academic pressures, and grief and loss. You may have experienced some of these difficulties most of your life, but you can only seek help when you are independent and free to do so. Or maybe you are experiencing some of them for the first time and don’t know what to do about it. College is not just about getting a degree; it’s also about understanding yourself better, prioritizing your well-being, and building more valuable and meaningful relationships. This is a time in your life when counseling can have a tremendously positive impact on your sense of hope about yourself and the world in which you live. Together, we can validate your concerns and struggles and find a way to free you from them for good.
Graduate and International Students are welcome, too!
I started a YouTube Channel called The Inspired Therapist because I'm inspired by my clients every day, in awe of their courage, sincerity, and openness. Here is one of the videos, (please see more on OCD, SAD, and other topics on The Inspired Therapist on YouTube), which are efforts to reach people who may not be able to access services.
Life Transitions
Life is a journey of transitions, (whatever decade you are in) where challenges and opportunities intertwine. Whether it's navigating college life, young adulthood, career shifts, relationship complexities, or grappling with existential questions, the journey can be both exhilarating and daunting. Amid building careers, relationships may transform, requiring us to adapt and grow together. As responsibilities mount, the balancing act between work, family, and personal aspirations becomes more intricate, often leaving us feeling stretched thin. This phase may also prompt reflections on identity, purpose, and legacy, as we confront the inevitability of aging and the passing of time. Amidst the turbulence, counseling can offer a steady anchor, providing a safe space to explore emotions, untangle thoughts, and chart a path forward with clarity and resilience. So, take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow by reaching out for support today.
Relationships
Relationships are the cornerstone of our lives, yet they can also be a source of immense challenges and complexities. Whether it's with a partner, family member, friend, or colleague, conflicts, misunderstandings, and communication breakdowns are inevitable. In the intimate realm of romantic relationships, issues such as trust issues, infidelity, communication problems, and intimacy issues can erode the foundation of love and connection. Family dynamics can also be fraught with tension, as differing personalities, generational gaps, and unresolved conflicts surface. Friendships may face strains due to changing life circumstances, differing priorities, or unmet expectations. Even in professional settings, workplace conflicts, power struggles, and office politics can create a hostile environment that affects productivity and morale. Counseling offers a ray of hope amidst the turmoil. By providing a safe and non-judgmental space, counseling allows individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors within the context of their relationships. No couples.
Or email me at the address below regarding a free 15 minute consultation.
mary@marygaskillcounseling.com or 540-386-0611 (Blacksburg number)
Schedule above. Just click this white tab ABOVE ^ to go straight to scheduling.
Looking forward to meeting you!
