PuttingFamilyFirst

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MB Portrait of Mary Brahm
Online therapist

Mary Brahm

Practical, experienced LCPC for family concerns

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Credentials
LCPC
Experience
35 years
Licensed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Mary

Mary Brahm is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois with 35 years of clinical experience. She brings a direct, practical style and a focus on helping people make changes that matter. Mary often works with issues around addiction, relationships, grief, parenting, and major life transitions.

Her approach blends several evidence-based methods. She uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice patterns and take manageable steps.

Background and approach

She also draws on client-centered and existential ideas to support meaning and values. For trauma, she uses EMDR when appropriate. Mary has a long history working in behavioral health and substance use treatment.

That background includes work with military-affiliated populations and community mental health settings. She emphasizes flexibility and adapts her methods to each person rather than following a single script. In sessions she looks to build trust first.

Then she helps clients identify triggers, practice new skills, and set realistic goals. Conversations are straightforward and focused on practical change, whether the concern is depression, co-occurring issues, communication problems, or process addictions. Parents seeking help with family or parenting stress will find her experience with relational patterns and recovery helpful.

Mary connects therapy goals to daily life so changes can be used at home and at work. She communicates plainly and partners with clients on realistic next steps.

Evidence-informed approaches delivered online

Mary commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her work. ACT focuses on clarifying values and taking committed steps toward what matters, which helps with depression, motivation, and life transitions. CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and practice different behaviors to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and addictive patterns.

She also integrates EMDR for trauma work when appropriate; EMDR supports processing distressing memories to reduce their intensity and emotional charge. Mary views finding the right approach as a collaborative process. She discusses options with each person and chooses methods based on goals, history, and comfort level rather than sticking to a single protocol.

Online therapy with Mary is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. This variety makes it easier to fit sessions into busy family schedules, handle moments when travel is difficult, and follow up between face-to-face conversations. The formats allow for flexible pacing and ongoing skill practice so progress can continue at home and in everyday life.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Mary address?
She works with addictions, depression, bipolar disorder, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, trauma and other life changes. Parenting and career concerns are also part of her focus.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is straightforward and practical. She blends ACT, CBT, client-centered work, existential therapy, and EMDR to match each person’s needs.
How long has she practiced?
Mary has 35 years of experience in behavioral health and substance use treatment, including community mental health and work with military-affiliated populations.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is an LCPC licensed in Illinois with license number IL LCPC 180006589.
Which languages and international clients are supported?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Mary offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
35 years
Licensed
Illinois
Languages
English

Next step

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