Hi, I’m Mary Leimbach, a licensed clinical therapist with 9 years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and transitions. I specialize in supporting adults through significant life changes, stress management, and personal growth. Before becoming a therapist, I served as a police officer for 11 years, which gave me unique insight into resilience, trauma, and navigating high-stress situations. I offer a compassionate, practical approach tailored to your unique needs, whether we meet through telehealth or in-person sessions. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to make meaningful changes in your life.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
When we meet for the first time, the session will focus on helping us get to know each other and setting the foundation for our work together. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you feel comfortable sharing what’s on your mind and what your struggles are. This first session is centered around creating a foundation of trust and understanding. There’s no right or wrong way to approach it—it’s your time, and we’ll go at a pace that feels right for you.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I want you to feel confident that you're in good hands as we start this journey together. I have 9 years of experience as a therapist and advanced training in Human Development Counseling and Forensic Psychology, I have a strong clinical foundation to help with a variety of concerns. I create a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can share what you need to and process those feelings. My goal is to listen deeply and understand your unique experience so we can work collaboratively toward meaningful change in your life.
About Mary Leimbach
Specializes in
Serves ages
Accepts cash
Address
5130 Hickory Point Frontage Rd, Decatur, IL 62526Appointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my own practice, I’ve found Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to be a very effective and adaptable approach to therapy. I’ve worked with a wide range of clients facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, trauma and life transitions. With CBT, I’ve seen consistent success in helping clients understand and learn to change the negative thought patterns and behaviors that are contributing to their struggles. One of the aspects of CBT that I identify with is its structured, goal-oriented nature. Clients appreciate that CBT is clear and focused on specific outcomes which is helpful when trying to reduce symptoms of anxiety, improve self-esteem, or break the cycle of negative thinking. I’ve witnessed many clients become able to connect their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in ways they hadn’t before, and this realization empowers them to take control of their emotional and mental health.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a therapeutic technique that I’ve chosen to utilize in my practice because it aligns with my core belief that you are the expert in your own life. MI is a client-centered, goal-oriented approach that helps individuals explore and resolve barriers about making changes. MI respects and values your autonomy, focusing on creating an open space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. Change often feels overwhelming or uncertain, and MI offers a non-judgmental and empathetic framework that can help you explore your motivations, concerns, and readiness for change in a way that is comfortable for you.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Culturally sensitive therapy is an essential aspect of my approach because I believe that every individual is shaped by their unique cultural background, which can influence and deeply impact their thoughts, behaviors, and emotional experiences. We all come from different backgrounds, and each person’s identity is influenced by many different factors like race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, family traditions, and more. Culturally sensitive therapy allows us to build a stronger and more respectful therapeutic relationship. When I understand and validate your cultural experiences, it fosters mutual respect and deepens the connection between us. This trust is essential for successful therapy and creates a safe and non-judgemental space for you to explore sensitive topics.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is an approach I utilize because it is practical, goal-oriented, and focused on strengths and resources. I believe that therapy should help you make real progress in a reasonable amount of time, and SFBT is designed to do just that. It’s different from traditional therapies that spend a lot of time exploring the past. Instead, SFBT is future-focused, and we work together to identify how solutions and actions can make a positive difference in your life right now.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a therapeutic approach that I utilize because it’s specifically designed to help people heal from the effects of trauma, whether it is recent or from the past. I believe that healing from trauma requires more than just talking about your experience; it requires understanding the emotional and psychological effects of trauma, addressing harmful thought patterns, and gradually reprocessing the traumatic memories in a safe and supportive environment.