Mary O'Dell, LICSW

Mary O'Dell is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people in Alabama who are coping with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, and self-esteem concerns. She focuses on practical steps clients can use to feel steadier during life changes. Her style is warm and straightforward, aimed at helping people get unstuck and build better daily routines.

She uses cognitive behavioral ideas to notice unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors. Mary also relies on client-centered listening to understand each person's priorities and strengths. Mindfulness and narrative techniques help clients process past events and make clearer choices about their future.

Her practice emphasizes short-term goals and real-world skills. Clients work on manageable steps like shifting thought patterns, practicing grounding skills, and improving communication. Sessions often include homework and simple exercises to try between meetings.

Mary brings five years of clinical experience to her work as an AL LICSW - Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. She has supported people through divorce and separation, caregiver stress, body image struggles, and grief related to major life transitions. She also addresses concerns such as guilt, shame, and post-traumatic stress.

People who choose her can expect a collaborative approach that adapts to their pace. She helps clients set clear goals and measures progress in practical ways. This approach is aimed at restoring confidence and helping people move forward with purpose.

How Mary’s approaches translate to online care

Mary uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors that reduce distress. CBT-style work often involves short exercises, thought records, and goal-focused plans that transfer easily to virtual sessions. Client-centered therapy means sessions begin with listening to what matters most to the person and shaping the work around their priorities, which helps build trust even when meeting remotely.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of therapy. Mary will collaborate with each person to decide whether cognitive tools, mindfulness practices, or narrative exercises fit best for their goals. That collaborative process can be adjusted as needs change over time so the approach stays relevant.

Online formats offered include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video sessions support face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can work well for brief check-ins. Live chat and texting allow quick check-ins, journaling-style conversations, and flexible support between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or busy schedules while keeping the focus on practical skills and steady progress.