Mary Vu Iammarino believes you are the author of your story. Through a holistic and trauma-informed approach, she believes in being an example of hope. With her direct candor and humor, she guides you on your journey. She is a licensed clinical social worker and has worked with adolescents, adults, and families for 20 years. She is trained in EMDR and yin yoga-certified.
What would your clients and colleagues say is your therapist superpower?
I try to create a space of warmth and calm. Having life experiences as well as over a decade of experience in clinical practice and creating a nonprofit, I have the skills to deal with any issues thrown my way. I believe you are only a good therapist if you are a good example. I hope to give my clients the courage to break free from the unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that we are often taught as children and young adults.
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
My journey to becoming a therapist was an unlikely one and came about through my own healing and counseling. I was on the path to become a lawyer for children; however, through my own history of trauma and intergenerational trauma, I saw the importance of counseling for a meaningful life. Growing up as a child of refugees and immigrants, I faced a lot of challenges, and I now hope to help my clients navigate identity, self-worth, and their own challenges. I have worked in school-based systems with adolescents and young adults with depression, anxiety, and addiction. In recent years, I co-founded a nonprofit for trauma victims and their families.
What does a typical session with you look like?
I am a direct communicator and have been known to tell it like it is with some warmth, of course. I am a laid-back person and directive at the same time. I use candor and humor and also explain the “why.” My sessions are typically an hour, and I usually work with clients for approximately six months. I have worked with everyone from the most reluctant clients to the most open to services; at the end, we find some healing. Due to my own life experiences, nothing surprises me; I am a calm person and things don’t scare or rattle me.
Short Term (Solution-focused, etc.)
Ideal for those who are coming in with a specific problem they’d like to address and gain clarity on. Typically, short term therapies are present focused and do not dive deep into your past.
Structured
Structured therapies are goal and progress oriented. Therapists may incorporate psychoeducation and a specific “curriculum.” In order to stay on track, therapists may provide worksheets and homework.
Insight-oriented (Psychodynamic, Existential, etc.)
Exploring the past and making connections to present issues can help clients gain insight. Getting to the root of the issue and finding deeper self-awareness can help with long-term change.
Non-directive (Humanistic, Person-centered, etc.)
Going with the flow and seeing where it leads.
Behavioral (CBT, DBT, etc.)
Focuses on changing potentially unhealthy or self-destructive behaviors by addressing problematic thought patterns and specific providing coping skills.
Trauma Focused (EMDR, TF-CBT, etc.)
Recognizing the connection between trauma experiences and your emotional and behavioral responses, trauma focused therapy seeks to help you heal from traumas.
