MARY NORRIS LICSW LICENSED INDEPENDENT CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER Hi I am Mary! My name is Mary Norris and I am a Licensed independent clinical social worker based in Birmingham Alabama and work with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults ages 18 to 100 years of age and specialize in anxiety and stress. I use cognitive behavioral therapy along with acceptance and commitment therapy. I work to help my clients make progress and feel better. My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each of my clients I work with. I most frequently use cognitive behavioral therapy along with acceptance and commitment therapy. I believe all of these modalities help me build a shared understanding of my client’s reality and allow the client and I to channel a path forward. I have discovered that my style and approach is a good fit for my young and older adult clients who may be dealing with life challenges and life transitions .I have found that my clients are wrestling with feelings of depression anxiety and stress. I work with my clients to navigate these changes and to help clients develop skills that will allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook on life. My communication style is calm, empathetic and personable. I wish for all my clients to be comfortable talking with me about any subject and I pride myself on my ability to listen with out being judgmentaI I decided to become a therapist because I have always wanted to help people whether it was volunteering as a candy striper at the local nursing home or being a loyal and trusted friend. It has been natural for me to be drawn to people to help them in difficult times. I enjoy seeing my clients become their personal best. My approach to goal setting is about working together with my clients to help them accomplish goals that they are comfortable with. I will begin by building trust with my clients and help my clients to feel comfortable with being in therapy. I will help clients to set goals and track progress. In our first session my clients can expect that we will be discussing my clients feelings. I will be asking several questions to better understand why my clients feel the way they do. The initial session will be about building a strong connection with my clients and this will help give me a sense on where to guide my clients. Each of my clients are different and I like to listen before I make assumptions. I will work with my clients to help them to know what is best to move forward in their lives.