Mary Gales-Wenz

Compassionate evidence-informed therapy for life transitions

LICSW Minnesota

Experience: 40 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Mary

Mary Gales-Wenz is a licensed independent social worker with a strong foundation in cognitive behavioral approaches and four decades of clinical experience. She blends client-centered listening with practical strategies drawn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people address stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma, grief, depression, and related concerns.

Background and approach

Her LICSW credential (MN LICSW 4518) reflects long-standing professional practice in Minnesota. Her career includes two decades with the Department of Veterans Affairs in both St.

Cloud and Minneapolis, followed by roles at Hazelden Center for Youth and Families, Allina Behavioral Health Clinics, and Central MN Mental Health Clinics. She has provided clinical supervision for residential treatment in the Department of Corrections, worked in behavioral healthcare management for a Minnesota insurer, and maintained a small independent practice since 2009.

Mary has experience working with adults, seniors, and adolescents in chemical dependency and mental health settings, addressing post-traumatic stress, anxiety, sexual and physical trauma, depression, and related diagnoses. She stays current with research and newer modalities, has training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, and emphasizes the mind-body connection as part of therapeutic work.

Integrating CBT and Mindful Approaches in Online Care

Mary often draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness-based methods when working with clients online. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and developing practical skills to shift behaviors and emotions, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Mindfulness Therapy teaches awareness of thoughts and bodily sensations to improve regulation and reduce reactivity, supporting work with trauma symptoms, chronic pain, and emotional distress.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to explore goals, preferences, and what feels helpful, adapting methods over time so treatment matches evolving needs rather than following a rigid plan.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, making it easier to fit care into daily life and maintain continuity across schedules. These formats allow licensed professionals to deliver structured interventions, teach skills, and support coping between sessions while accommodating different communication preferences and accessibility needs.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?

Mary focuses on a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, LGBT concerns, family dynamics, sleep problems, anger, self-esteem, career challenges, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.

What therapeutic style can I expect in sessions?

Her approach combines client-centered listening with practical techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness-based methods to tailor treatment to each person.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She brings 40 years of professional experience across outpatient and inpatient settings, addiction treatment, supervision, and independent practice.

Where is she licensed and based?

The clinician holds an LICSW and is licensed in Minnesota with the registration MN LICSW 4518.

Does she work with non-English speakers or international clients?

Sessions are provided in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats are available for therapy?

Mary offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging as options for remote work.

How are sessions paid for and what does cost depend on?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy with her?

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

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse Grief Depression

Also works with

LGBTFamily conflictsSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes Compassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Chronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFirst responder issuesGuilt and shameMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disorders Post-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSexual assault and abuseSomatizationWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

40+ years

Licensed

Minnesota

Languages

English