Mary Gales-Wenz, LICSW
Experienced LICSW for trauma and addiction
- Trauma and addiction
- Veteran and family care
- Mind-body focus
About Mary Gales-Wenz
Mary Gales-Wenz is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LICSW) with 40 years of experience in behavioral health. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and has practiced across inpatient and outpatient settings, bringing a depth of clinical perspective developed over decades.
For 20 years she provided care with the Department of Veterans Affairs at both the St. Cloud and Minneapolis hospitals, working in settings that served veterans with a range of mental health and substance use concerns. Following that period, her career expanded to roles at the Hazelden Center for Youth and Families, Allina Behavioral Health Clinics, and Central Minnesota Mental Health Clinics. She has also provided clinical supervision for residential treatment within the Department of Corrections and worked in behavioral healthcare management for a local Minnesota insurance company. Since 2009 she has maintained a small private practice.
Mary has worked with adults, seniors, and adolescents in chemical dependency and mental health treatment facilities, addressing post-traumatic stress, anxiety, sexual and physical trauma, and depressive disorders among other concerns. Her practice covers many areas including stress, addictions, grief, family issues, sleep problems, bipolar disorder, and compassion fatigue. She maintains current knowledge of research and treatment approaches and has a particular interest in the mind-body connection and therapies that help clients understand it. Mary is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, a modality intended to help process the full emotional and cognitive experience of difficult memories.
For 20 years she provided care with the Department of Veterans Affairs at both the St. Cloud and Minneapolis hospitals, working in settings that served veterans with a range of mental health and substance use concerns. Following that period, her career expanded to roles at the Hazelden Center for Youth and Families, Allina Behavioral Health Clinics, and Central Minnesota Mental Health Clinics. She has also provided clinical supervision for residential treatment within the Department of Corrections and worked in behavioral healthcare management for a local Minnesota insurance company. Since 2009 she has maintained a small private practice.
Mary has worked with adults, seniors, and adolescents in chemical dependency and mental health treatment facilities, addressing post-traumatic stress, anxiety, sexual and physical trauma, and depressive disorders among other concerns. Her practice covers many areas including stress, addictions, grief, family issues, sleep problems, bipolar disorder, and compassion fatigue. She maintains current knowledge of research and treatment approaches and has a particular interest in the mind-body connection and therapies that help clients understand it. Mary is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, a modality intended to help process the full emotional and cognitive experience of difficult memories.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
LGBTFamily conflictsSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion 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 disordersPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSexual assault and abuseSomatizationWomen's issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Mary Gales-Wenz have?
Mary Gales-Wenz has 40 years of experience in behavioral health and social work.
Is Mary Gales-Wenz a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LICSW, which stands for Licensed Independent Social Worker. License details: MN LICSW 4518.
In which languages does Mary Gales-Wenz provide therapy?
Mary provides therapy in English.
Where is Mary Gales-Wenz located?
Mary is located in Minnesota.
How can I work with Mary Gales-Wenz as my therapist?
You can work with Mary through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Mary Gales-Wenz work with international clients?
Mary Gales-Wenz does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Mary Gales-Wenz cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Accessible Online Care
Mary draws on Client-Centered Therapy, an approach that emphasizes the client’s perspective and supports personal growth through empathic listening and collaboration. This approach is useful for people seeking a respectful, supportive space to explore feelings, relationships, and life decisions.
She also integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, stress, and other mood challenges where practical skills and structured work can help reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning.
In addition, Mary includes Mindfulness Therapy techniques to help clients develop present-moment awareness and stress management skills. These practices can aid in coping with anxiety, sleep difficulties, and chronic stress by building attention and self-regulation skills.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Mary works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts care over time as goals evolve and as clients learn what helps them most.
Online therapy with Mary is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility and easier access to care. These options make it possible to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity of support during life changes, and connect with licensed professionals from different locations.