- CBT methods
- DBT skills
- Emotion-focused work
About Mary
Mary Ruhland is an Iowa-licensed independent social worker (LISW) with 30 years of clinical experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, low self-esteem, depression, and addictions. Her practice also focuses on intimacy-related concerns and issues that affect daily functioning.
Mary uses straightforward, client-centered methods to help people describe what matters to them and make practical changes. She often draws on cognitive behavioral tools to address anxious thoughts and behaviors, and dialectical skills to manage intense emotions. Sessions are conversational and goal-focused.
She also brings approaches that address relationships and attachment. Emotionally-Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method are used to look at communication patterns and how people relate to others. These methods can help with separation, trust issues, or recurring conflict.
Mary pays attention to how past experiences affect present coping. She helps people work through grief, shame, guilt, and impulsivity with steady, paced work. For those dealing with panic attacks, mood swings, or post-traumatic stress, she combines skills practice with problem-focused interventions.
Her work includes attention to body image, eating concerns, and compassion fatigue. She supports people who feel isolated or are rethinking life purpose during midlife changes. The focus is on clear steps clients can try between sessions and reviewing what works.
To begin, clients complete an online matching questionnaire and schedule a first session. The service uses a cancellable subscription payment model that varies by location, and sessions are conducted in English.
How therapeutic approaches shape Mary Ruhland's online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting back what matters to the person. It helps people clarify values and goals while the therapist follows the client's lead. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behavior and teaches practical techniques to shift unhelpful patterns; it is often used for anxiety, panic, and mood concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness and can be useful when emotions feel overwhelming.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Mary collaborates with each person to decide which methods match their needs, goals, and preferences. That choice can change over time as progress is made and priorities shift.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Therapists can assign between-session exercises, review skill practice, and use video or phone interactions in ways that support skill-building and problem-solving without promising a particular format.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Iowa, South Dakota
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, depression, addictions, and intimacy-related issues.
What is her therapy style like?
Her approach is client-centered and practical, using conversational sessions with goal-focused skills and problem-solving.
How much experience does she have?
Mary has 30 years of experience as a licensed social worker practicing in Iowa.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds LISW and CSW-PIP credentials and practices in Iowa.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does payment work?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.