Mary O'Dell, LICSW
Compassionate, practical therapy for life changes
Details
| Name | Mary O'Dell |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LICSW |
| Based in | Alabama |
| Licensed in | Alabama |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 5 |
About Mary
Mary O'Dell, LICSW, supports people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or big life changes. She helps clients who struggle with low self-esteem, depression, addictions, and social anxiety. Her style aims to make conversations feel safe and straightforward so parents and busy adults can get practical help quickly.
Mary uses narrative ideas to help people tell and rethink the stories they live by. She also draws on client-centered care to keep sessions focused on each person’s needs.
Background and approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools are used when thoughts and actions need clear, step-by-step change. In a session Mary listens for patterns that keep problems alive. She helps clients name painful emotions like guilt or shame and then tries small, doable steps to move forward.
Work often focuses on building coping skills and clearer communication with others. Mary spent five years developing this approach in Alabama. She brings a calm, respectful presence and aims for straightforward plans that fit daily life.
Sessions are meant to feel practical rather than overwhelming. People who contact her can expect help with issues such as body image, caregiver stress, divorce and separation, forgiveness, and finding life purpose. The goal is to rebuild confidence and steady routines so clients can handle stressors with more ease.
What this therapist works with
Her listing names Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Self esteem among the things Mary works with, alongside the areas below.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
- Body image
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Communication problems
- Divorce and separation
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Life purpose
- Post-traumatic stress
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in her listing among her approaches.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Mary among the ways she works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Mary among the ways she works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Mary among the ways she works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Mary among the ways she works.
- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Listed by Mary among the ways she works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Mary directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how she works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Mary directly how she uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
How narrative and practical therapies work online
Mary combines Narrative Therapy with client-centered care and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in ways that translate well to remote sessions. Narrative Therapy helps people step back and retell the stories that shape how they see themselves, which can reduce shame and open new possibilities. Client-centered work focuses on following the client's lead and offering a steady, nonjudgmental presence during conversations. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy provides concrete tools to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through small experiments and homework.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. Mary works collaboratively to learn each person’s goals and preferences, then adjusts techniques to match what feels most useful. She discusses options so clients can try different methods and notice what helps over time.
Online therapy offers several practical advantages. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues, phone sessions are useful when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed, live chat is helpful for pacing conversation in writing, and text-based messaging supports ongoing reflection between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to keep momentum between appointments.
Common questions about this listing
What kinds of concerns does Mary address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, low self-esteem, and coping with life changes, plus related concerns like body image, caregiver stress, and communication problems.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style blends listening-focused, client-centered work with narrative approaches and practical CBT techniques to adjust unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
What is her professional background?
Mary has five years of clinical experience working with people facing emotional and life-transition challenges.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
Mary holds an AL LICSW and practices in Alabama.
Can someone work with her in another language or from another country?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different preferences and schedules.
How are sessions paid for and what about cost?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Mary are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Mary where she has space. Ask about fees, and whether she holds a licence or registration where you live.
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