Mary Ruhland, LISW, CSW-PIP

Compassionate Iowa therapist for complex challenges

Trauma and grief care
Stress and anxiety support
Evidence based therapies

About Mary Ruhland

Mary Ruhland is a licensed Iowa therapist with 30 years of clinical experience helping people navigate complex emotional challenges. She specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem concerns, addictions, and intimacy-related issues, alongside related areas such as panic attacks, body image struggles, and midlife transitions. Mary brings a steady, compassionate approach to work with clients who feel isolated, are managing relationship difficulties, or are facing significant life changes.

Her practice emphasizes individualized care that meets each person where they are. Mary uses collaborative methods to empower clients to build resilience, improve communication, explore life purpose, and heal from past wounds. She supports clients through practical skills and deeper emotional exploration so they can develop greater self-compassion and clearer direction.

Mary holds the credentials LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker) and CSW-PIP (a clinical social work credential) and practices from Iowa. She accepts new clients and integrates evidence-informed approaches to tailor treatment to each person’s needs, helping them move toward meaningful, lasting change.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Grief Self esteem Depression

Also Specializes In

AddictionsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersAnger managementCompassion fatigue

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesBody imageCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues

Therapeutic Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Gottman Method Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Mary Ruhland have?

Mary Ruhland has 30 years of experience as a practicing therapist.

Is Mary Ruhland a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credentials LISW and CSW-PIP. Her license details are IA LISW 01284 and SD CSW-PIP 3229.

In which languages does Mary Ruhland provide therapy?

Mary Ruhland provides therapy in English.

Where is Mary Ruhland located?

Mary Ruhland is located in Iowa.

How can I work with Mary Ruhland as my therapist?

You can work with Mary Ruhland through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Mary Ruhland work with international clients?

Mary Ruhland does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Mary Ruhland 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 that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Approaches That Guide Online Care

Mary Ruhland draws from several proven approaches to guide online therapy. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on offering empathy and acceptance while helping clients clarify values and goals - it is especially useful for building self-esteem, processing life transitions, and strengthening personal insight. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns; it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, panic, and mood-related symptoms because it teaches practical skills for managing symptoms. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness - it is well suited for intense emotions, impulsivity, and relationship challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Mary works collaboratively with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals, then tailors methods so therapy feels like a good fit rather than a one-size-fits-all plan. The choice of techniques can evolve as work progresses to best support recovery and growth.

Online therapy with Mary offers flexibility in how care is delivered, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, maintain continuity during transitions, and access licensed professionals from home or other convenient locations.

Ready to start therapy with Mary Ruhland?

Take the first step toward a better you.

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