Mary Massey,
MA, APC
Associate Professional Counselor
Roswell Location
WHO I WORK WITH:
AGES 3-24
AREAS OF SPECIALITY:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Life-Transitions
- Anger
- Behavioral Concerns
- Grief/Loss
- Relational Concerns
Hi! I'm Mary.
As a therapist, my goal is to empower my clients to become the healthiest versions of themselves. I believe in creating a safe, supportive, and empathetic space where individuals and families can work through life’s challenges and build resilience.
Throughout my life, I have had the privilege of working with children and young adults in a variety of settings, including summer camps, international communities, church groups, and schools. My experience includes several years at a large summer camp in North Carolina, where I supervised young adults and worked closely with girls ages 7-17. Additionally, I’ve taught English to at-risk children overseas and supported displaced Ukrainian refugees in their transition toward stability. During my internship, I had the opportunity to counsel children in Marietta City Schools, collaborating with school counselors to provide individual support for students facing emotional struggles.
As a therapist, I specialize in working with children, young adults, and their families using evidence-based approaches, including play therapy techniques and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). I have experience helping clients navigate challenges such as anger management, anxiety, grief, social relationships, communication, sleep disturbances, depression, self-esteem, and behavioral concerns. I am passionate about guiding my clients on their journey toward healing, and I am committed to helping them build emotional well-being and coping strategies for a fulfilling life.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University. Currently, I am working toward state licensure and pursuing certification as a Registered Play Therapist. I am supervised by a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor, Lauren Brown, LPC, NCC, CPCS, RPT-S, owner and director of Early Connections Child and Family Counseling in Roswell, GA.
When I’m not in the counseling playroom, I’m out with my black lab exploring the woods or going on adventures to new places. I speak Russian, and so I also try my best to keep up my language skills by watching movies and reading books in Russian. I’m a nerd when it comes to board games and will rarely turn down an opportunity to play! In addition to the classics like checkers and Monopoly, some of my recent favorites are “Ya Blew It!”, “Exploding Kittens”, and “Love Letter”.
It’d be an honor to work with you and your family on this journey toward growth and healing. Please reach out if you have any questions, and let’s get started!
Education & Trainings
- Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (2024)
- Registered Play Therapist Certification (In-Progress)
Modalities & Interventions Used
- Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Talk Therapy
What Does a Session Look Like With Me?
Sessions can look a variety of ways depending on the child and their goals. Some of my clients are talkers and jump right in sharing about their day at school. Some of my kids prefer to play games, and others prefer arts and crafts. For some, a session may look like grabbing a snack and playing with fidgets while chatting or doing an art activity together. Others may choose to play a structured board game, play with sand, dress up, building materials, stuffies, coloring/drawing, or make something else up to do entirely. My clients have the freedom to play what they choose to in session. This allows for kids to feel comfortable, in charge, and create the most helpful atmosphere for healing and change.
At times, more directive activities are essential for progress toward goals. These activities look like interactive games, art, role play scenarios, skill building, relaxation technique training, etc. planned with the client’s goals in mind. When directive activities are implemented, the child still gets to have choice and autonomy over the structure of the session. The playroom is a special place where minds can explore, feelings can be processed through play, and hearts and minds are encouraged!
Favorite Modalities & Therapeutic Interventions
Families are the experts on their children, and I am here to help alongside the family unit. My priority is to find an individual connection with each client and family and support them on their road to healing and achieving their goals. This happens through various ways, ranging from games to art, toys, to conversing about topics of interest, etc. For children who struggle with beginning the counseling process, I enjoy using bibliotherapy and games. Bibliotherapy is helpful because the child can insert themselves into the story and it can be a starting point for conversation about a given topic, and games because that often puts the child at ease and makes them more comfortable to open up. Often self-awareness is the first step to change and can happen via direct or indirect interventions. In addition to CBT and person-centered therapy, existential theory pulls everything together for me. When a client has meaning and purpose in their life, they have the drive needed to enact change and be the person they desire to be. Helping a client discover their strengths and skills is vital to change and forward motion.
I am trained in faith-based approaches as well for those clients that are interested. Integration of faith-based principles into the counseling room is done in a sensitive way with the clients leading the way for the type and amount of integration.
