Mary Ann SkenderLICSW

Mary Ann Skender is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) based in Washington with 16 years of experience. She focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions. Mary Ann aims to create a calm, respectful space where people can talk through painful experiences and figure out practical next steps.

She uses therapies that focus on the person in front of her. Sessions often involve seeing what feels most helpful right now and trying small changes that add up. Mary Ann often works with people facing relationship strain, grief, parenting stress, body image concerns, and challenges around pregnancy and childbirth.

Her background blends client-centered listening with tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. That means she listens first, then helps people spot unhelpful thinking and test new habits. Motivational interviewing and solution-focused methods are also part of how she helps people set manageable goals and keep momentum.

Mary Ann describes her role as a collaborator rather than an authority. She supports people as they identify strengths, set priorities, and practice healthier ways of coping. Many clients appreciate this steady, goal-oriented style when they are navigating change or recovery.

Practical matters are addressed directly in sessions. People usually leave with one or two doable steps to try between meetings. Those steps are revisited and adjusted over time so progress stays realistic and relevant.

How Mary Ann’s approaches translate to online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters to the person. It helps people feel heard and decide goals that fit their life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thinking and behavior and tests small changes to ease symptoms like anxiety or low mood. Mindfulness Therapy teaches noticing thoughts and bodily signals so reactions can be chosen more deliberately.

Choosing the right approach is often a team decision. Mary Ann will explore your needs, preferences, and goals and suggest methods to try. Sessions usually mix listening, skill practice, and short exercises agreed on together so you can see what helps most.

Confirm which session formats are currently offered before booking, since the profile does not list formats. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let you practice skills in the places where you live your life, then bring results back into sessions to refine them.