- Anger and stress
- CBT and ACT
- Mindfulness skills
About Mary
Mary Hargarten is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Wisconsin with 25 years of clinical experience. She has worked in person and online and helps people with worries like anxiety, depression, panic attacks, relationship strain, and anger. She also supports those coping with grief, trauma, parenting stress, and life transitions.
Mary focuses on practical skills people can use between sessions. She draws on cognitive behavioral ideas to look at thoughts and actions. She also uses acceptance and commitment ideas and mindfulness to help people handle difficult emotions without getting overwhelmed.
Her work pays attention to how family background shapes current beliefs and behavior. She explores how family of origin issues may influence relationships and self-image. That can include patterns around communication, forgiveness, guilt, or infidelity.
Mary combines goal-focused techniques with open conversation. Solution-focused methods are used to set clear steps for change. Motivational interviewing helps clarify what clients want and what will keep them moving toward that goal.
Sessions mix skill-building and real-life problem solving. People come to address stress at work, struggles with intimacy, caregiving strain, or mood difficulties like bipolar disorder and postpartum depression. She emphasizes small, usable changes that fit into daily life.
How her approaches work in online sessions
Mary uses cognitive behavioral therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and test small behavior changes. CBT is useful for anxiety, panic, mood problems, and patterns that feed anger. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice painful feelings and still act on values they care about, which is useful for stress, grief, and relationship strain.She also incorporates mindfulness exercises to help people slow down strong reactions and notice what happens in the body and mind. These techniques can reduce reactivity and make it easier to choose a different response in tense moments. Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work together; the therapist and client decide what best fits the client’s goals and daily life.
Session formats are not specified here, so confirm the available online options before booking. Many clients find online work helps fit therapy into a busy schedule, makes check-ins easier during the week, and lets them practice skills in the context of their everyday routine. Online sessions can allow for shorter check-ins, video conversations, or phone conversations depending on what the therapist offers and what works logistically for the client.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Wisconsin
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, relationship problems, anger, grief, trauma, parenting issues, and related life changes.
What is her therapeutic style?
She blends client-centered conversation with practical methods like cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution-focused work, and motivational interviewing.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 25 years of experience providing therapy in person and online.
What credentials and location apply to her practice?
She holds LCSW and LMFT credentials and practices in Wisconsin.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Choose the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.