Mary Schiotis, LMHC-t, CADC

Biography

I am a temporary licensed Mental Health Counselor that uses CBT and play therapy techniques as well as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I am also trained to use ASIST for Crisis Counseling and am currently receiving training in the VA Star Program, Rational Living Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT and AutPlay and may utilize techniques from these with clients when appropriate. 

I work with individuals and couples of all ages. My objective is to thoroughly learn about and understand you so that you feel heard and to provide stress-relief through talk therapy. I hope to be motivating and helpful towards you and encourage direct, open and honest communication. I've had rewarding experiences working with children, people struggling with codependency or substance abuse and people in crisis feeling like they’ve lost all hope. I care genuinely for clients within the professional context and attempt to convey that by taking you seriously and focusing on your positive outcomes. I bring optimism, gratitude and hope to a working therapeutic relationship; using a wellness perspective to identify strengths and healthy foundations that may already be present.

Why did you become a provider?

I chose this type of work to help those who are struggling by providing guidance and direction and to be someone who will listen while supporting. I chose UnityPoint Health because the organization is focused on providing evidence-based services in a community care setting.

Ideal provider/patient relationship:

The client is able to focus on themselves, and becoming comfortable or used to engaging in sessions.

What's most important for patients to know about your medical philosophy?:

I believe in a wellness perspective and know that people are able to change their lives.I am happy to make myself available and to be present with you.

What do you like to do in your free time?:

I enjoy writing fiction of all kinds as a form of expression and for fun. You can often find me at a library or bookstore. I like to do art, read about mental health and history, and enjoy some domestic hobbies like knitting, sewing, cooking and baking. Any chance to get out in the sunshine when it's here, I enjoy walking, biking, and hiking for exercise. If spending time indoors or the weather is blustery I may sit down with a good book, write, or do the eliptical, or pilates. I enjoy company and stay entertained with various movies, TV series, documentaries, doing geneaology, puzzles, games or learning something to do with faraway places, languages or cultures.

Tell us about your family

I am a proud mother of two children and enjoy taking care of them.

Neurodivergence, AutPlay, Rational Living Therapy, CB