Hello, I’m Mary Ann Byerly(she/her/hers)
I created this website for prospective clients to learn more about me. I know it is essential to make the right connection with your counselor. It might be helpful if I share what clients have told me they value about working with me. While they often choose me because I focus on proven approaches, they especially appreciate my honest feedback and genuine acceptance of who they are. They develop trust through my competence and compassion, which allows them to feel safe and supported. Clients also learn that successful therapy involves working together to set goals, gain awareness, and develop skills to create change. Whoever you entrust with your care, I wish you the best in your path to grow as a person.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other anxiety disorders. I am committed to improving the lives of those affected by anxiety and feel honored by clients who entrust me to guide them through proven treatments and for the courage they show in pursuing their wellness.
I received training in evidence-based treatment methods from highly respected programs including the primary treatment I provide for OCD which is Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) from The Center for Anxiety and Behavior Therapy. For clients with OCD and generalized or social anxiety or trauma, I use additional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from The Beck’s Institute and/or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) from Steven C Hays, PhD.
For clients with compulsive hair pulling or skin picking (also known as Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors [BFRB]), I received Habit Reversal Training (ComB) from the TLC Foundation to directly address these issues.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) also involves compulsions that are addressed with a specialized CBT for BDD that I was trained in through Massachusetts General Hospital.
I have been trained in (SPACE) Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions by Eli R Lebowitz, PhD to guide family members or partners of clients with OCD to change the way they respond to anxiety by increasing support, reducing reassurance seeking and accommodations.
I have experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds and am committed to being a culturally sensitive counselor. I am also dedicated to providing respectful, inclusive counseling to all and has experience working with LGBTQIA+ clients. I am available for in-person counseling or teletherapy anywhere in Kansas with teens, adults and families.