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Mary Ann Poynter

Therapist · Illinois

Mary Ann Poynter, LMHC, LPC

Practical support for stress and daily habits

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Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

  • Thoughts and habits
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Relationship struggles

About Mary

Mary Ann Poynter is a licensed mental health counselor with two decades of experience. She practices as an LMHC and LPC and helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and major life changes. She emphasizes everyday thoughts and habits as part of the work. Mary Ann approaches therapy as a collaborative process. She starts by listening to each person’s story and identifying small, practical changes that can ease day-to-day struggles. Conversations focus on what is happening now and on habits that keep problems stuck. Her experience includes supporting adults, couples, seniors, and children in a variety of settings. That background shapes a calm, straightforward style that aims to make therapy usable in regular life. She works with relationship concerns, grief, low motivation, and self-esteem challenges. Sessions often look at how thoughts influence feelings and behavior, then try different ways of responding. She helps people practice new routines and coping steps between sessions. The work is paced to each person’s needs and goals. Mary Ann encourages people to take the first step even when it feels hard. She emphasizes strengths and practical problem-solving. Her goal is to help people find clearer choices and more manageable days.

Areas of expertise

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Experience

20+ years

Credentials

Illinois, Indiana, South Carolina

Languages

English

How therapeutic approaches shape online work

Mary Ann uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on thoughts and everyday habits. One common approach looks at how patterns of thinking influence mood and behavior, helping people notice unhelpful thoughts and try alternative ways of thinking. This can be useful for anxiety, low mood, and motivation difficulties.

Another focus is behavioral practice - breaking big problems into small steps and rehearsing new habits between sessions. That kind of work helps with stress, feeling stuck after life changes, and improving day-to-day routines.

Finding the right approach is part of therapy. Mary Ann works together with each person to match methods to their needs, goals, and preferences. She adjusts strategies over time based on what is most helpful.

Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, shorten check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time. It also lets people practice changes in their regular environment while getting support from a licensed professional.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Mary Ann commonly address?

She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, depression, and coping with life changes, plus related concerns such as abandonment, attachment, body image, and caregiver stress.

What is her therapy style like?

Sessions are collaborative and practical, focusing on thoughts and everyday habits that affect mood and behavior. The approach emphasizes small, usable changes people can practice between appointments.

How much experience does she have?

Mary Ann has 20 years of professional work experience helping people with anxiety, depression, motivation, and life transitions.

Where is she licensed and based?

She is licensed in Illinois with the credentials LMHC and LPC noted for her practice.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with her?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How does payment and cost work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working together?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on the therapist's availability.

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