Mary Durso
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Individual Clinical Social Worker in DC (LICSW); and also a Clinical Social Worker in MD (LCSW-C). I received my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology in 1985 and my Master's degree in Social Work in 1999. I earned my LICSW in DC in 2002. In December 2024, I earned my Clinical license in Maryland (LCSW-C).
Having worked with all age groups for over 20 years, I can help you develop how you want your life to change.
I like talking with people--but more importantly, listening to people. To me, therapy is a block of time. It is an opportunity for people to talk to someone who is not a parent, brother, sister, spouse or even best friend. My goal is to listen to you and to help you consider options in your life.
First session
In our first session together, the focus would be on getting to know each other. I would like to know what your ideas about therapy are, previous experiences (pros and cons), and how you would like your life to change. I would do General Housekeeping, explaining what will happen in therapy and how we will develop a Treatment Plan. In the second session, we would complete the Treatment Plan and begin discussing how to proceed. Treatment Plans or goals can change at any time. I always say nothing is set in concrete.
Strengths
Having worked with all age groups for over 20 years, I can help you develop how you want your life to change. Then we can develop a tailored plan to help you take the first steps towards changing your life. I have worked with individuals experiencing a variety of life situations. And, of course, whatever you discuss will be confidential.
Ideal clients
My dream client would primarily be someone who wants to enter into the therapeutic experience. I have had a lot of experience, and I have worked with a variety of individuals, so I'm open to work with anyone who wants to work. My hesitations would be with someone who is not fully committed. If we cannot develop goals together, then I would wonder if maybe another kind of therapist would be more helpful. I'm very easygoing and ready to work, and I am accepting of pretty much any type of client--but if you do not feel comfortable working with me, then I would want you to have the best experience possible; and I would wish you well and refer you to another therapist from Grow Therapy.
Origin story
My mother was my role model and greatest influence. She was an RN for over 55 years, before she passed in February 2000. She taught me compassion for others, creativity, and professionalism. She also taught me that it was more important to help others than to watch the clock. My mother taught me that you can either push adversity in the corner, or allow it to push you in the corner. She and my father taught me how to cook; being that they are both Italian, my cooking style is Mediterranean. When I was studying for my MA in Counseling Psychology, I was also influenced by one of my professors, Dr. S. She was both a psychologist and an attorney, and she maintained an office for both in her home in Great Falls VA. When we had classes in the evening, she brought along her gray Scotch Terrier, named Scotty. He made the rounds collecting pets and love from each student; then he settled down to sleep in the middle of the classroom, equally distant from each student and from Dr. S. (I never understood how he did that!)
Ongoing work together
As we continue working together, I will review the Treatment Plan to monitor progress. I also invite clients to let me know how they are feeling; if there are any questions or concerns. My overall goal is for the client to benefit from the therapeutic process.
Treatment methods
Attachment-based
Sometimes people need to explore their past relationships with family members, particularly parents. Exploring can help alleviate anxiety or depression.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
With CBT, people learn that thoughts are not facts. They also learn how their thoughts may affect their feelings and in turn their behaviors. I have given worksheets to explain CBT and also to give the client an opportunity to reflect on their thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
My primary experience is with person-centered or Rogerian therapy. It involves looking at the client as a person, as a part of his/her environment. It provides respect for the person and seeing each client as an individual.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I am aware that individuals reflect their culture---and they should. I am female, Catholic and Italian-American. I want to learn about cultures that are different from mine, and how your perspectives affect the way you are feeling.
Reality Therapy
Sometimes the client needs to look at the situation the way it is. From there the client can explore how he/she wants things to be different.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- District of ColumbiaLicense LC3000876
- MarylandLicense 32575