Share via email
My name is Mary French and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Wisconsin, working statewide with clients via telehealth. I work most often with individuals having stress, anxiety, and issues with various relationships in their lives. I use Cognitive Behavioral and Client-focused Therapies to assist individuals in finding their own unique capacities for growth.
My approach
My therapeutic approach Is based primarily on the needs of the individual being supported. These will primarily include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, (CBT), where our thinking and beliefs influence our emotions and behavior; and Client-centered, or Person-centered therapy; also known as Rogerian therapy. Rogerian theory was developed by Carl Rogers who emphasized the significance of creating an environment conducive to the client's personal growth, providing genuineness, positive regard, and empathy without judgment.
My focus
I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for adult individuals, who may be dealing with personal or unresolved relationship issues, stress, pressures, and challenges of life difficulties, which apply to so many of us these days! If unchecked, these can easily develop into anxiety, depression, or other dysfunctional lifestyles.
My communication style
My sessions are very supportive in nature, as I emphasize a humanistic perspective in my theories and personal application. Everyone has the innate ability to achieve personal growth and fulfillment through self-exploration and development, given the appropriate supportive environment.
My journey to mental healthcare
I love seeing others realize their own unique potential for growth. I began college years ago, in the wrong major after leaving an industry making cell phones to become an engineer! Once I saw how much math I had to suffer through, I spent more time in the counselor's office than in class, trying to figure out what it was I enjoyed doing. What I liked to do wasn't work on laser machinery or make integrated circuitry; it was talking with the people I worked alongside and went to school with about their families; their relationships; and their kids. I would read articles about psychology and subscribe to 'Psychology Today magazine, (before grad school)! It wasn't long before I realized, I needed to be in the profession. It wasn't long before I switched to a double major in English and Psychology, was hooked after my first paper, and off to graduate school I went! I've loved it ever since. Not that it's been an easy road; it can be heart-breaking; gut-wrenching even. But I believe we are all given strong suits with great desire for what it is we are meant to do, and this is definitely mine.
My goals for you
My approach to goal setting is all about working with each individual to define what it is we want to accomplish in their time with counseling. This often begins with building trust between us and getting comfortable with what it means to be in therapy. In time, we will track progress and renew goals that are attained.
My first session with you
Our first session will usually be spent getting a general history and primary intention for what brought you to therapy. This will be our initial connection, help me to better understand where you are currently, and give me a sense of where we can go from there. (For those who've never been in therapy, this is very supportive and never as 'scary' as you may imagine it to be)!
