Educational and Professional Background
Mary Gutiérrez, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, received a Master of Social Work from Smith College in Northampton, MA in 2013. She received a bachelor degree in International Studies from the University of the Pacific in 2003. Mary maintains a part-time clinical practice serving adults in-person and via tele-health. She has worked in social services since 2003 and has experience providing services within medical, hospice, DV/SA crisis and outpatient mental health settings.
Treatment Philosophy
Mary believes in the power of counseling to help anyone gain new perspective, develop coping skills, overcome challenges, strengthen relationships, and live a more fulfilling life.
Working over 20 years in social services, Mary understands that meaningful change begins with understanding how we see ourselves and navigate the world. Her warm, non-judgmental approach helps clients recognize patterns or beliefs that may be holding them back so together they can develop practical tools for moving forward. She sees adults in-person and via tele-health.
With experiences across a broad spectrum of clients, from preschoolers to centenarians, Mary has a knack for connecting with people who never thought therapy was for them, or even those who have sworn it off altogether. She has helped clients address a variety of issues including end-of-life, parenting, relationship problems, trauma, chronic illness, domestic violence, grief, loss, depression, anxiety, sexual assault, and substance abuse. Mary has also worked as an advocate trainer, educator, and public speaker on topics such as healthy relationships, sexual assault, domestic violence, trauma stewardship and building resilience in medicine and social services. She primarily uses a relational approach, incorporating behavioral strategies when helpful, to support clients in understanding patterns, building resilience, and moving toward meaningful change at their own pace.
Areas of Specialty
Mary works only with adults and specializes in:
- Perinatal, postpartum and parenting issues
- Anxiety and mood disorders
- Grief, loss, chronic illness and end-of-life
- Social justice and LGBTQ+ support
- Medical and social service professionals
- Mindfulness and holistic mental health
Areas of special interest
- Caseworkers
- Depression
- Gender and Racial Identity
- Grief & Loss
- LGBTQ+ Support
- Life Transitions
- Nurses
- Parents/caregivers
- Perinatal