Mary Widseth, LPC

Mary Widseth is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who helps adults make sense of themselves and their relationships. She draws on her background in community psychology and rehabilitation counseling to offer practical, down-to-earth support for people facing midlife questions and other life changes.

She holds a master’s degree in Community Psychology and Rehabilitation Counseling from Saint Cloud State University and a bachelor’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation from the University of Wisconsin–Stout. Mary also completed a certificate in Autism and has experience working with adults who face cognitive, communication, or physical barriers to employment.

Early in her career she supported marginalized adults with on-the-job training, job placements, and coordination with employers. That work included adapting communication methods when language was a barrier, such as using sign language and basic Spanish. Her own experience living with cerebral palsy informs her understanding of everyday obstacles and practical problem solving.

After graduate school she provided in-home therapy for children ages 7 to 18 and their families for two years, then spent two more years as a mental health therapist working with adults and children in an office setting. She has helped people manage anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism-related challenges, relationship skills, and behavior or emotional regulation.

Mary uses a mix of therapeutic approaches tailored to each person’s needs. She emphasizes clear communication, hands-on strategies, and step-by-step planning so clients can try new skills between sessions. She works in Minnesota and conducts sessions in English.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Mary commonly uses Client-Centered Therapy, which focuses on listening, reflecting, and helping people find their own solutions. This approach is useful for building rapport and exploring life decisions or relationship concerns.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and try small behavior changes. CBT works well for anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and practical coping skills.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills are sometimes used to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and communication techniques. These skills can help with anger, emotional ups and downs, and relationship strain.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, try methods that fit those goals, and adjust plans based on what helps. Clients help decide which techniques to use and what to practice between sessions.

If you are considering online work, confirm the session formats before booking so you know how sessions are scheduled. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Talk with the therapist about what will fit your schedule and what kind of session length or frequency will work best.