HI! My name is Mary Beth Ridderman. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida, and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Georgia. In addition to my state licensure, I have earned credentials as a National Certified Counselor, a Qualified LMHC Supervisor, a Certified Clinical Military Counselor, a Certified Life Coach, a Board Certified Tele-mental Health Counselor, a Social Investigator, and a Qualified Parenting Coordinator in Florida Circuits 3, 4, and 8. I am proud to be a member of Chi Sigma Iota, an International Academic and Professional Counseling Honor Society. In addition, I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and Sand Tray Therapist Candidate, working with people of all ages, to add interesting and fun personal growth activities to the traditional counseling experience. A part of play therapy is sand tray therapy and I am passionate about collecting miniature items or “symbols” to represent all aspects of life. During video sessions, you will see my office and part of my collection. I love to teach other therapists and students about play therapy and sand tray therapy at universities or professional conferences. I have over twenty years' experience working with families as a child advocate with the court system and I currently provide social investigations and assist parents and children involved in contentious divorce or visitation issues. Perhaps my most rewarding experience was seven years’ providing individual and group counseling in a shelter for survivors of domestic violence. My specialties are working with individuals who have symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, anger, traumatic brain injury, or who are experiencing family issues. I do not treat clients who have issues with suicide, substance abuse, or eating disorders: those issues are best served in face-to-face sessions and by therapists with credentials for treatment. Clients find that I genuinely like people from all walks of life, I am non-judgmental, and I am an excellent listener. Research supports, and I believe, that a strong client-counselor relationship is the most important part of the counseling experience and creating that bond is my goal. I look forward to meeting you, getting to know you, and working with to achieve your personal goals. Mary Beth

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

A large part of the first session involves intake questions - getting to know each other. If time permits, often clients leave the first session with at least one technique or strategy. Sometimes, there is homework! The purpose of homework is to extend your learning about the topic we discussed in session. Homework may be something as simple as spending an hour outdoors.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My biggest strength is acceptance. I accept each person where he or she is on this journey of life.

About Mary Beth Ridderman