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LCSW

Mary Messerschmidt, LCSW

  • Experience25 years
  • LocationVirginia
  • Focus areasADHD, Addictions, and Relationship
  • Therapy approachesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Attachment-Based Therapy
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About Mary

Mary Messerschmidt is a Virginia-licensed LCSW with 25 years of clinical experience who works with people facing a wide range of concerns, including ADHD, addictions, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, parenting stresses, and career or life transitions.

Background and approach

She approaches challenges such as codependency, caregiver stress, attachment wounds, and substance-related problems with attention to each client’s lived story and priorities. Her practice emphasizes a collaborative, respectful therapeutic relationship that foregrounds compassion and authenticity.

Mary blends evidence-informed methods like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, and client-centered techniques to tailor interventions to individual goals. She also integrates life coaching elements for clients seeking practical strategies alongside psychotherapy.

Mary offers multiple remote session formats including video calls, phone, live chat, and text-based messaging. Sessions are arranged through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time and fees vary by location and therapist availability.

To begin, prospective clients use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule an appointment according to availability.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care



Mary frequently draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Attachment-Based Therapy in her online practice. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings while clarifying personal values and taking committed action toward meaningful goals; it can be useful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on understanding how early relationships influence current patterns and helps clients develop healthier relational strategies, which is often relevant for intimacy, attachment issues, and relationship conflicts.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with each person to explore which methods align with their needs, goals, and preferences, and adapts interventions as progress and circumstances evolve. That collaborative stance aims to match evidence-based techniques to what the client finds most helpful.

Online therapy with Mary is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for varied schedules and comfort levels. Remote sessions make it easier to maintain continuity during life transitions and for those needing different communication formats, while still allowing licensed professionals to apply structured therapeutic tools and real-time coaching.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Mary commonly address?
She supports clients with ADHD and a broad set of concerns including addictions, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, parenting, career changes, and compassion fatigue.
What is her therapeutic style and approach?
Mary emphasizes a collaborative, authentic relationship and uses compassionate, client-centered work combined with targeted interventions to help clients meet their goals.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings 25 years of clinical experience working with diverse mental health and life concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a licensed clinical social worker with the credential VA LCSW 0904004851 and practices from Virginia.
Does she work in other languages or accept international clients?
Services are provided in English and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
Which session formats are offered?
Clients can meet through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference and availability.
How are sessions priced and paid for?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

AddictionsRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorder

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDParanoiaPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyImago Relationship TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

25+ years

Licensed

Virginia

Languages

English

What Mary can help with

Mary Messerschmidt works with clients on addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and bipolar disorder.

How Mary approaches therapy

Mary's clinical approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, and Imago Relationship Therapy.

Experience and training

Mary is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Virginia.

Therapy style

Mary aims to support and empower you.