Mary McWhirter
Compassionate, evidence-informed social work
LICSW Alabama
- Experience
- 7 years in practice
- Focus areas
- Grief, Self esteem, Coping with life changes
- Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Languages
- English
About Mary
Mary McWhirter is a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) based in Alabama who centers her practice on evidence-informed methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy while blending compassionate, client-centered care.
Background and approach
With seven years of clinical experience, she supports people navigating grief, trauma and abuse, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and stress, as well as relationship and family concerns and career-related struggles. She also has focused experience addressing challenges that arise with aging and geriatric issues, caregiver stress, hospice and end-of-life counseling, and coping after natural or human-caused disasters.
Her approach is adaptable and trauma-informed, using tools from acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused strategies to help clients clarify values, build skills, and respond to difficult life changes. Mary emphasizes empathy and nonjudgmental listening while tailoring interventions to each person’s goals and preferences.
People who are managing compassion fatigue, social anxiety, impulsivity, paranoia, or working on self-esteem and self-love may find practical, structured support alongside reflective, strengths-based collaboration.
Online therapeutic approaches and flexible care
Mary integrates cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy alongside client-centered principles to support online clients. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors, which can be useful for treating anxiety, depression, and stress. Acceptance and commitment therapy encourages clarification of values and mindful acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings while taking committed action toward meaningful goals.Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Mary treats it as a collaborative conversation. She will work with each person to weigh approaches that fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adapting techniques from different modalities when that best serves the client’s priorities.
Online therapy with her is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase accessibility and scheduling flexibility. These formats allow for consistent care across busy schedules and changing life circumstances, enabling clients to continue work on coping skills, trauma-informed strategies, and problem solving from wherever they are located in Alabama.
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Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
7+ years
Licensed
Alabama
Languages
English