Mary Shands, LPC
Compassionate LPC supporting relationships and resilience
- Stress and anxiety
- Addiction and trauma
- Family and parenting
About Mary Shands
Mary Shands is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in both Missouri and Texas with 12 years of clinical experience supporting people from pre-K through late adulthood. She has practiced across diverse settings including school districts in special and general education, an insurance company, veteran services, a substance abuse treatment center, and a sexual offender treatment program. This breadth of experience has shaped a flexible approach to care that addresses trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship and parenting challenges, and a range of addiction concerns.
Mary works with individuals facing emotional abuse, separation related to adoption, grief, and mental health impacts associated with COVID-19. Her practice also supports veterans, teens, and women navigating self-esteem, codependency, and life transitions. Her listed specialties include stress, anxiety, addictions, family and relationship issues, LGBT concerns, trauma and abuse, eating and sleeping difficulties, parenting, anger, and coping with change.
Clinically she draws on approaches such as Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Existential Therapy to tailor care to each person. Mary is current on required trainings, presents and provides training at venues, and brings warm, energetic listening and a caring presence to her work. She accepts new clients and works with international clients while practicing from Texas.
Mary works with individuals facing emotional abuse, separation related to adoption, grief, and mental health impacts associated with COVID-19. Her practice also supports veterans, teens, and women navigating self-esteem, codependency, and life transitions. Her listed specialties include stress, anxiety, addictions, family and relationship issues, LGBT concerns, trauma and abuse, eating and sleeping difficulties, parenting, anger, and coping with change.
Clinically she draws on approaches such as Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Existential Therapy to tailor care to each person. Mary is current on required trainings, presents and provides training at venues, and brings warm, energetic listening and a caring presence to her work. She accepts new clients and works with international clients while practicing from Texas.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
LGBTTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAvoidant personalityBody imageCancerCodependencyControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFirst responder issuesForgivenessHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issues
Therapeutic Approach
Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Mary Shands have?
Mary Shands has 12 years of professional experience.
Is Mary Shands a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LPC, which stands for Licensed Professional Counselor. Her license details are MO LPC 2014024447 and TX LPC 77506.
In which languages does Mary Shands provide therapy?
Mary provides therapy in English.
Where is Mary Shands located?
Mary is located in Texas.
How can I work with Mary Shands as my therapist?
You can work with Mary Shands through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Mary Shands work with international clients?
Yes, Mary Shands works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Mary Shands 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, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just 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, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Approach-Focused Online Therapy with Practical Flexibility
Mary often integrates Attachment-Based Therapy, which explores how early relationships shape patterns of connection and helps people build more secure bonds and healthier ways of relating. She also uses Client-Centered Therapy, an approach that prioritizes the client's perspective and fosters growth through empathic listening and acceptance. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another common tool in her work - it focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety and low mood.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Mary collaborates with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts care as progress unfolds. This collaborative planning helps ensure therapy aligns with what matters most to the client.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility for people with busy schedules or geographic constraints. Sessions can take place by video call or phone, and Mary also provides live chat and text-based messaging options for ongoing support between meetings. These formats make it easier to access consistent care from licensed professionals while balancing work, family, or other responsibilities.