Mary HargartenLCSW, LMFT

Mary Hargarten is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 25 years of clinical experience. She practices in Wisconsin and has provided therapy both in person and online. Mary draws on a warm, compassionate style and a straightforward, practical focus in sessions.

She helps people cope with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and mood disorders. Relationship and family issues are a frequent focus, including communication problems, infidelity, divorce and separation, and domestic violence. Mary also supports people facing life changes such as aging, caregiving stress, parenting challenges, and postpartum depression.

Mary uses several therapeutic approaches that emphasize real-life skills. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy addresses thoughts and behaviors that get in the way. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy works on accepting what can’t be changed and committing to meaningful action. Motivational Interviewing helps uncover personal reasons to make changes.

Her work often looks at family of origin influences and how early patterns shape current choices. She encourages clients to build on their existing strengths and develop practical coping strategies for daily life. Sessions aim to balance emotional, social, physical, and spiritual needs.

Mary describes her style as nonjudgmental and collaborative. She respects each person as the expert on their life and brings therapeutic tools to help reach goals. She values humor and genuine connection while guiding clients toward clearer choices and healthier patterns.

How these approaches translate to online therapy

Mary commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Client-Centered ideas in her work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and helps people try different behaviors to see what works better. ACT teaches how to accept hard feelings while committing to steps that match personal values, which can help with anxiety, depression, and life changes. Client-Centered therapy emphasizes understanding and support, giving space to explore concerns at your own pace.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. Mary works collaboratively to match techniques to each person’s goals, needs, and preferences. She starts by listening to what matters most, then suggests tools and practices to try together and adjusts the plan based on what helps.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking since formats were not specified. Many people find online work helpful because it can fit into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Online sessions can make it easier to keep momentum between appointments by assigning simple practices to use in daily life.