Mary McLaggan

Practical, compassionate therapy for life transitions

LPC, LMHC Iowa

Experience: 20 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Depression
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment-Based Therapy
Languages: English, Spanish

About Mary

Mary McLaggan brings two decades of counseling experience to her practice, offering focused support for people facing anxiety, stress, depression, ADHD, and major life transitions.

Background and approach

She emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion while helping clients explore concerns such as self-esteem, grief, trauma, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting challenges, and career stress. Mary works in both English and Spanish and draws on a range of therapeutic methods to match each person's needs.

Her approach blends evidence-informed techniques and a client-centered stance, collaborating with individuals to shape conversations and treatment plans that feel relevant and practical. Trained and licensed as an LPC and LMHC, Mary applies tools from cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment-based perspectives, and other modalities to help clients develop coping strategies and clearer ways of relating to themselves and others.

She encourages taking the first step toward meaningful change and offers steady support through that process in her Iowa-based practice.

Therapeutic approaches and online care that fit your life

Mary often uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical strategies for managing symptoms like anxiety, depression, and stress. CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors through concrete exercises and skill practice.

She also incorporates attachment-based ideas to explore how early and current relationship patterns influence emotions and expectations. This perspective can help people understand patterns in close relationships and build more supported ways of relating.

Finding the right approach is collaborative; Mary works with each person to decide which methods best match their goals, values, and preferences. She tailors sessions so techniques are useful and relevant rather than prescriptive, adjusting the plan as progress and needs evolve.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to work together, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and to continue work between appointments, while letting clients choose the format that feels most comfortable for them.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Mary work with?

She addresses a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship and intimacy concerns, trauma and grief, as well as parenting, career stress, and self-esteem difficulties.

What therapeutic styles does she use in sessions?

Mary draws from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), attachment-based therapy, client-centered approaches, DBT skills, and existential ideas, tailoring methods to each client's needs.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 20 years of professional experience working with people facing a variety of emotional and life challenges.

Where is she licensed and based?

Mary is licensed as an LPC and an LMHC and practices in Iowa; her license numbers are TX LPC 19406 and IA LMHC 121856.

Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are available in English and Spanish. She is not accepting international clients at this time.

What session formats are available for remote care?

Clients can connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference and availability.

How is payment handled and what do sessions cost?

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

What steps are involved to begin working together?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes ADHD

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

20+ years

Licensed

Texas, Iowa

Languages

English, Spanish