Ed.D, LCSW, CTP, RPT-S
Experience
Originally from Long Island, New York Mary is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Registered Play Therapist, a Certified Trauma Specialist, and a Certified Health Coach who works with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. She has worked in the field of mental health for over 10 years, and has practiced in both public and private sectors, which include public schools in New York and Wake County Public Schools.
She especially enjoys working with children and families. She has special expertise in play therapy, and is still among the very few therapists in the Triangle who have obtained the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) certification. Mary is passionate about utilizing an integrative approach which includes expressive therapies, such as art, music, and sand tray.
“My passion is to provide adults, teens, and children with the tools that enable them to gain insight and mastery over their emotions through their healing process to empower them in their lives. I help my clients find healthy perceptions of themselves and assist them with strengthen relationships so they can know themselves as peaceful, complete, whole, and safe. Life is not always easy, life can hurt, and life can be unpredictable. When people experience trauma or severe life stressors, it is not uncommon for their life to unravel. I understand that a not single approach or modality is not suitable for every individual, including children and teens that is why I developed a practice with an integrative approach that utilizes more than just talk therapy.”
– Dr. Mary Affee
Mary’s Treatment Approach:
Sand Tray Therapy
Expressive Art Therapy
Sensory Based Interventions
Solution-Focused Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Play Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Education:
Doctoral Candidate Of Educational Leadership, Gardner-Webb University, NC
Masters of Art- Executive Leadership, Gardner-Webb University, NC
Masters of Social Work, Fordham University, NY
Bachelor of Arts, SUNY Empire State College, Westbury, NY
Certifications, Licenses, & Awards:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, North Carolina~2013
Licensed School Social Worker, North Carolina~2011
Registered Play Therapist, 2013
Certified Health Coach, 2014
Certified Trauma Specialist, 2011
TLC 2014 “NATIONAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE” ~
The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children, Michigan
Presentations and Lectures:
The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children– 07/15/2014
Annual Childhood Trauma Practitioner’s Conference–SITCAP in Action: How to Use in Schools.
North Carolina School Social Worker Association-(NCSSWA) Pinehurst, North Carolina 11/15/2012
Annual Fall Conference-A Trauma Informed Approach to Working with Students Experiencing Homelessness.
Pfeiffer University-Raleigh, NC– Graduate Program-Marriage and Family Therapy-
Guest Speaker-Understanding Trauma 6/17/2014
Fordham University, New York-Graduate School of Social Service-Fordham/Molloy MSW Program-
Guest Speaker-What is Play Therapy and Understanding Trauma. 3/31/2014, 4/20/2015, 03/2016, 04/12/2017
Adjunct Faculty
Molloy College, Rockville Centre, New York
Meet our Faculty
News Clips:
ABC11 Eyewitness News
Cary social worker provides mental health to front line workers in New York
May 6, 2020
ABC11 Eyewitness News
How to keep your kids mentally healthy during COVID-19 pandemic
March 30, 2020
ABC11 Troubleshooter
Wake County mental health providers say they’re owed thousands in insurance claims
February 5, 2020