As a licensed therapist in Iowa with three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and self-esteem issues. I am particularly passionate about working with individuals experiencing social isolation, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.
My therapeutic approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each person's unique journey. I focus on empowering clients to develop self-love, improve communication, explore life purpose, and heal from past experiences. Whether you're struggling with panic attacks, relationship challenges, body image concerns, or midlife transitions, I provide a supportive and understanding environment.
I believe in creating a collaborative space where clients can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and rediscover their inner strength. My goal is to walk alongside you as you work towards healing, personal growth, and meaningful life changes.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Anger management, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Body image, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems
IA LISW 01284
SD CSW-PIP 3229
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Mary Ruhland. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
We are still in the beginning stages of therapy. I feel like Mary has been good at hearing my needs, what has worked in the past for me, and breaking everything down to more manageable goals.
Written on Mar 02, 2026 after therapy with Mary for 8 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety
I enjoy working with Mary on issues of concern. She is open, compassionate, and a great listener.
Written on Mar 02, 2026 after therapy with Mary for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Thank you Mary for helping me identify obsticals in my life and manage them.
Written on Jan 08, 2026 after therapy with Mary for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and
Very understanding. Patient.
Written on Dec 26, 2025 after therapy with Mary for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Mary was awesome and listened to me, my needs and understood what I needed help with. I really appreciated her professionalism.
Written on Oct 30, 2025 after therapy with Mary for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and adhd
Mary is a wonderful counselor who truly listens and makes me feel heard. I appreciate how attentive she is and how she follows up promptly, which reassures me that I am supported even between our meetings.
Written on Oct 12, 2025 after therapy with Mary for 2 weeks on issues concerning career difficulties