About Mary
Mary Mcfarland Riedel is a licensed clinical social worker in California who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, and family-related concerns. She also supports those dealing with self-esteem, body image, caregiver stress, and workplace or money worries. Her style is straightforward and compassionate, aimed at helping people feel heard and understood.
She keeps sessions simple and practical. Conversations focus on what matters now - symptoms, daily struggles, and small steps that can make life easier.
Background and approach
She encourages honest talk about feelings and goals, and works with each person to find approaches that fit their life and values. Mary draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide sessions. She aims to help people build better coping skills, improve communication, and regain a sense of direction.
The work often includes problem-solving, symptom management, and exploring how past events affect present choices. Over four years she has supported people through stressful life transitions and trauma recovery. Her practice emphasizes a nonjudgmental tone and practical tools for daily life.
She frames progress as gradual and tailored to each person’s needs. Sessions are offered in English and provided through video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. To begin, a short matching questionnaire helps connect a person with the right schedule and format.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online sessions
Mary uses evidence-based techniques that focus on symptoms and daily functioning. One common approach is skills-based work that teaches practical coping strategies for anxiety, stress, and mood symptoms. These techniques help people manage overwhelming feelings and build routines that reduce distress.Another approach emphasizes trauma-focused care that looks at how past events affect present thoughts and behavior. This often involves grounding strategies, paced processing of difficult memories, and strengthening safety and stability in everyday life.
Choosing the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. Together they adjust methods over time so the work stays relevant and doable.
Online formats make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be useful when internet bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging offer flexibility for brief updates, coach-like guidance, or when typing feels easier than speaking. These options help people maintain continuity of care and adapt therapy to their daily routines.
Frequently asked questions
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Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
Also works with
- Experience
- 4 years
- Licensed
- California
- Languages
- English