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Mary Ruhland

Mary Ruhland

LISW, CSW-PIP

Therapist · Iowa · 30+ years of experience

Calm, practical therapy for intense emotions

Continue with Mary

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  • Client-centered care
  • Skills-based strategies
  • Trauma informed

About Mary

Mary Ruhland is a licensed social worker in Iowa with 30 years of clinical experience. She focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, anger, and trauma. Her approach aims to make difficult emotions easier to talk about and handle. Her work often centers on grief, self-esteem, addictions, and intimacy-related concerns. She also helps people facing body image struggles, panic attacks, and isolation. Mary pays attention to practical problems like communication, control issues, and the pain of separation. Mary uses therapy to help people build skills and make small changes that add up. She combines client-centered listening with structured methods to address habits and emotions. Sessions can include strategies for managing intense feelings, improving relationships, and coping with loss. Over three decades she has supported people through life transitions and midlife questioning. She brings steady, calm attention to topics such as abandonment, attachment wounds, guilt and shame, and finding purpose. Her work includes mood disorders and post-traumatic stress concerns. People who choose her can expect a collaborative style that focuses on what they want to change. She encourages clear communication and practical steps toward better daily functioning. To begin, readers should confirm current session options before booking.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

AddictionsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersAnger managementCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

30+ years

Credentials

Iowa, South Dakota

Languages

English

How these approaches work for online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters to the person. It helps people feel heard and supported while they sort through strong emotions and decisions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It teaches clear strategies to change unhelpful thinking patterns and reduce symptoms like anxiety and panic.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, adds skills for managing intense emotions and impulsive behavior. It is useful for people who want concrete tools for emotional regulation and improved communication.

Finding the best approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences and then recommend methods that fit the person’s needs. That plan can change as progress is made and new issues arise.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can help fit sessions into a busy life by reducing travel time and allowing scheduling flexibility. It can also make shorter check-ins or skills practice easier to arrange around work, caregiving, and daily routines.

At a glance

Listed location
Iowa
Experience
30+ years
Credentials
LISW, CSW-PIP
Languages
English
License (Iowa)
LISW · No. 01284
License (South Dakota)
CSW-PIP · No. 3229
NPI
1326030545

As listed by the therapist. You can check a license with the state board and an NPI with the national registry.

Frequently asked questions

What types of concerns does Mary help with?

She addresses stress, anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, grief, addictions, and intimacy-related issues. Additional focuses include body image, panic attacks, and isolation.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style blends client-centered listening with practical techniques from cognitive and behavior-focused therapies. The approach balances empathy with skill-building for everyday challenges.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Mary has 30 years of experience as a licensed social worker practicing in Iowa. That span includes work with people facing long-term mood and trauma-related concerns.

What credentials and region are listed for this clinician?

The credentials shown are LISW and CSW-PIP, with practice location in Iowa. Those are the only credentials provided here.

Which languages and international options are available?

Sessions are offered in English only. She is not accepting international clients at this time.

What session formats are offered?

The original biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.

How are costs handled?

Fee amounts vary with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with Mary?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to therapist availability.

Before you start

  • Online talk therapy is not a court-ordered or mandated anger-management course, and it does not provide attendance certificates.
  • Check that the location and license details above fit where you live.
  • If anyone is at risk of being harmed, contact emergency services or a domestic-abuse helpline first. See the support lines for the US, UK and Australia.
Mary RuhlandContinue with Mary