Mary Beth Ridderman (she/her)
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