About Mary Straus

 

My aim in psychotherapy is always to help move the individual, couple, or family to a more comprehensive appreciation of all that contributes to their perceptions and experiences, to a greater sense of connection and compassion within themselves and with others, and to greater fulfillment and creativity. 

I approach my practice with a multi-dimensional understanding of how experiences are held in the mind and body and how those experiences can influence behavior. My perspective draws from neurologic, biologic, psychoanalytic, socio-cultural, and family-of-origin frames of reference.  From these contexts, I engage using thoughtfulness, kindness, and an appreciation of the humor in things.  I draw from psychodynamic, family systems, EMDR, and mindfulness-oriented practices.

My vocations and avocations have introduced me to a wide range of people, cultures, genders, and socio-economic circumstances.  I’ve worked in varying capacities with people in both coasts of the United States, in Mexico, and in Africa.  I’m grateful I’ve had these opportunities and for the consequent gift of being at ease with a wide range of people and a wide range of issues.  

I Serve:

  • ADULTS OF ALL AGES
  • COUPLES
  • Families
  • All Races
  • All genders
  • all sexualities

I Address:

  • ANXIETY
  • DEPRESSION
  • TRAUMA AND PTSD
  • Issues in Relationships
  • Issues regarding GENDER
  • issues regarding SEXUALITY

     


Highlights of My Experience:

  • 27 years psychotherapy with adults, couples, and families
  • 10 years development of Behavioral Health programs serving multi-system involved families
  • 17 years clinical supervisor
  • Certification in Brief Strategic Family Therapy
  • EMDR training
  • 10 years occupational therapy practice in Behavioral Health and with children with Neuro-diversity and autism
  • Member of Community ADvisory board of Owl and Panther, a Program serving refugees who have been victims of torture in their native countries
  • Administration and/or implementation of grant projects in mexico, Cameroon, and zimbabwe

My Education:

  • MASTERS OF ART IN PSYCHOLOGY; THE WRIGHT INSTITUTE, BERKELEY, CA
  • BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY; NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK, NY