Mary Sudduth, LCSW

Mary Sudduth is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and major life changes. She brings practical tools and a steady presence to sessions so clients can find clearer next steps. Mary has 16 years of professional experience as an LCSW and has worked across healthcare, mental health, substance-use, and nonprofit settings.

She trained in social work and holds a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Earlier she completed a BA in Social Work with a minor in Gerontology at Christopher Newport University. Her background includes healthcare social work, oncology-related counseling, hospice and end-of-life support, and work with caregivers and people managing chronic illness.

Mary favors straightforward, useful strategies in therapy. She draws on client-centered work, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychodynamic ideas, and solution-focused techniques. Expect practical exercises, relaxation practices, worksheets, and clear planning to reduce stress and improve daily coping.

Her practice also addresses aging and geriatric issues, caregiver stress, chronic pain and illness, and the emotional impacts of serious medical conditions. She describes herself as a generalist clinician who matches methods to each person’s needs and stage of life.

People who choose Mary often want a down-to-earth approach that combines life experience with clinical skills. She aims to help clients build skills they can use between sessions and to support realistic, manageable change over time.

Approaches that translate to online sessions

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and helping people set their own goals; it is useful for building confidence and for working through life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to reduce anxiety and depression. Internal Family Systems helps people identify different inner parts and how they influence behavior and relationships, which can be useful for understanding patterns like impulsivity or self-criticism.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Mary will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as progress is made. This helps ensure therapy stays practical and focused on the changes the client wants.

Confirm the current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It also lets people use hands-on tools like worksheets and relaxation exercises during sessions, and supports ongoing skill practice between meetings.