Mary Blankenburg, LISW

Mary Blankenburg is an Iowa LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker) with 35 years of clinical experience. She works with adults on problems that include anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, codependency, grief, and stress. She helps people notice how old patterns show up now, and talks through practical ways to respond differently.

Her background spans community mental health, adolescent services, and three decades in private practice. That range shaped a straightforward style that blends talk therapy with attention to bodily experience. She brings movement and awareness into sessions in simple, grounded ways when it helps.

Mary uses several approaches depending on a person’s needs. She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to clarify values and shift unhelpful thoughts and actions. Attachment-based ideas guide work on long-standing relationship patterns and fears around abandonment.

Sessions tend to focus on building awareness of how strong emotions feel in the body, learning skills to manage intense moments, and trying small, achievable changes between meetings. She also works on sleep, anger, career stress, and the overlap of mental and physical health when chronic illness is present.

People who struggle with people-pleasing, trouble saying no, or losing themselves in relationships may find the practical focus useful. Mary encourages slow, steady change and helps clients map out steps they can use in day-to-day life.

How Mary integrates ACT, attachment ideas and online work