- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Addiction recovery
About Maria
Maria Ruud is an LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker in Michigan with ten years of clinical experience. She focuses on stress, anxiety, relationship strains, addiction concerns, low self-esteem, depression, grief, and life changes. Maria also lists work with LGBT issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related concerns, parenting stresses, anger, career questions, and compassion fatigue.
She meets people who feel stuck after big changes in work, relationships, or health. Sessions are practical and direct. Conversations center on what matters now and what small steps feel possible next.
Maria uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help people learn coping skills and improve communication. She helps clients notice patterns that get in the way and practices new ways of relating. The approach is collaborative and goal-oriented rather than vague or purely motivational.
In sessions she addresses both current problems and past experiences that affect daily life. That can include managing chronic illness or caregiver stress, recovery from domestic violence, addiction challenges, or grief after loss. She also supports people facing blended family dynamics and aging-related concerns.
Her work often covers practical skills for handling stress, clearer boundary-setting, and strategies to reduce social anxiety and isolation. Maria encourages steady, manageable change and checks in on how tactics fit into a person's day-to-day life.
Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions fit
Maria draws from evidence-based therapeutic techniques focused on practical skills and behavioral change. One common approach she uses teaches concrete coping strategies for anxiety and stress, such as breath work, activity planning, and stepwise exposure to feared situations. These methods help reduce avoidance and build confidence through repeated small successes.Another approach centers on improving communication and relationship patterns. This involves identifying recurring interaction styles, practicing new ways to ask for needs, and rehearsing boundary-setting so conversations become clearer and less reactive. It is useful for people dealing with relationship strain, intimacy issues, or workplace conflicts.
Figuring out which approaches fit best is part of the work. She collaborates with each person to choose techniques that match their goals, preferences, and daily routines and adjusts methods as progress is reviewed. The choice of approach is decided together rather than imposed.
The biography does not list specific session formats here, so confirm the available online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time so someone can use a break at work. If you need a simpler or different rhythm of sessions, discuss that when you schedule the first appointment.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship strain, grief, trauma and many life changes including career and parenting concerns.
How would she approach feeling stuck or directionless?
Maria uses practical, evidence-based techniques to identify patterns, build coping skills, and test small changes that fit daily life.
What is her professional background?
She has ten years of clinical experience working with a broad range of emotional and behavioral concerns.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is an LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker and practices in Michigan.
Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats does she offer?
The biography does not specify session formats; confirm current session options before booking.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.