- Stress and anxiety
- CBT and DBT methods
- Grief and trauma
About Mary
Mary Alfinito is a New York Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Registered (LCSW-R) with 40 years of clinical experience. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, ADHD, trauma and abuse, and questions about life direction and career. She also supports those dealing with LGBT concerns and self-esteem struggles.
Mary uses practical, evidence-informed methods to help people manage intense feelings and develop clearer choices. She often draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills to build emotional regulation and distress tolerance. Trauma-focused approaches are used when past events continue to affect present functioning.
Sessions focus on concrete steps and coping tools rather than abstract theories. Conversations cover current problems, patterns that repeat, and small experiments to try between meetings. She pays attention to attachment and abandonment issues, communication problems, and the impacts of chronic illness or caregiving stress.
Her practice also includes work on body image, codependency, forgiveness, gender dysphoria, and the effects of shame and guilt. Mary has long experience with autism, Asperger syndrome, and learning disabilities and adapts pace and strategies to each person’s needs.
People who start therapy with her can expect clear suggestions, behavioral skills, and collaborative goal-setting. To begin, prospective clients choose the online therapy options, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Mary commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT focuses on practical exercises and short experiments that can be tracked between sessions, which fits well with remote work on daily habits and mood. She also applies Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT skills practice can be reviewed during sessions and then applied in everyday situations.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods match their goals, challenges, and preferences. That process can include trying a few techniques and adjusting the plan based on what helps in real life.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Many people find that remote sessions make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Discuss scheduling needs and practical preferences when completing the matching questionnaire so sessions can fit into everyday routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
40+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, ADHD, trauma and abuse, and life direction questions. Additional areas include LGBT issues, self-esteem, and career concerns.
How does she approach feeling stuck?
She uses clear, practical techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills to change patterns and manage emotions. Sessions include concrete steps to try between meetings.
How much experience does she have?
She has 40 years of professional work experience in clinical settings and with diverse presenting problems.
What are her credentials and location?
She is a New York LCSW-R, practicing from New York state.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.