Mary Stein, LMFT - Therapist in California

About Mary

Mary Stein is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California. She has 27 years of clinical experience and focuses on family and parenting concerns along with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, addiction, relationship and intimacy issues. Mary aims to make therapy approachable and practical for people feeling overwhelmed by life changes or difficult emotions.

Her sessions are warm and interactive. Mary listens first to understand what led someone to seek help.

Background and approach

Then she and the client decide together which tools to try. She uses respect, compassion, and steady feedback to help people take small, manageable steps forward. Mary trained at Phillips Graduate Institute and received her license, CA LMFT 35416, in 1999.

Over the years she has worked in independent practice, supervised clinical work in adolescent residential programs, and provided services at a domestic violence agency. That variety informs how she supports families and individuals. Her practical toolbox includes Client-Centered work, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Existential ideas, and Mindfulness approaches.

She adapts methods to each person’s needs, focusing on clearer thinking, coping skills, and meaning when appropriate. Sessions aim to improve daily functioning and relationships. Mary values client strengths and collaborates on goals.

She approaches caregiver stress, communication problems, grief, and addiction issues with steady, experience-based guidance.

Therapeutic approaches for online family and parenting support

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a respectful, accepting relationship. The therapist listens closely and mirrors back what she hears so clients feel understood. This approach helps people clarify goals and use their own strengths to make changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. It teaches practical steps to notice unhelpful thinking, try different responses, and practice new coping skills for anxiety, depression, or relationship stress.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, adds skills for emotional regulation and stronger interpersonal interactions. It is useful when emotions feel intense and when clearer communication and distress tolerance are needed.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Mary will work with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She starts by listening, then suggests options and adjusts strategies as progress is made.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy families and those juggling caregiving tasks. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation, while phone, live chat, and text-based messaging provide shorter or more frequent check-ins. These formats make it easier to use therapy tools between sessions and to stay connected when schedules are tight.

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.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Mary help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, family problems, parenting challenges, eating and sleeping issues, anger, self-esteem, bipolar concerns, and coping with life changes.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her style is warm, accepting, and interactive. Sessions start with listening and then use respectful, collaborative planning and steady feedback.

What experience does she bring to sessions?

She has 27 years of experience, including independent practice work, clinical supervision in adolescent residential programs, and work at a domestic violence agency.

What are Mary’s credentials and where is she located?

She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - CA LMFT 35416, and she practices in California.

Which languages are offered for therapy?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.

How are sessions paid for and what do costs look like?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Trauma and abuse

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 27 years
Licensed: California
Languages: English

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