Mary Claytor is a psychotherapist with a Master of Social Work from Syracuse University, specializing in work with adults facing challenges in emotion regulation, identity development, life transitions, and interpersonal functioning. She has a particular interest in how individuals relate to themselves and others during periods of stress, change, and psychological growth. Mary holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and music from Lipscomb University and is a certified yoga instructor, integrating mind–body practices with evidence-based, trauma-informed, person-centered care.
Mary completed advanced clinical training at McLean Hospital’s Gunderson Residence, a Harvard Medical School–affiliated program specializing in the treatment of personality disorders and comorbid conditions. At McLean, she received intensive training in a range of empirically supported therapies, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mentalization-based therapy (MBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), radically open dialectical behavior therapy (RO-DBT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This foundation informs her integrative, relational approach to psychotherapy—grounded in clinical research, developmental psychology, and epigenetics—and guided by a deep respect for the therapeutic relationship as a vehicle for meaningful change.
Mary’s approach is known for its clarity, warmth, and clinical rigor. She brings a direct yet compassionate style to her therapy, balancing validation with honest reflection. She helps clients work through anxiety, depression, perfectionism, chronic self-criticism, and relational distress. She places particular emphasis on enhancing emotional flexibility and self-awareness through the use of mindfulness, somatic awareness, and values-based work. Mary works closely with clients to explore patterns in how they relate to themselves and others—helping them build emotional resilience and more connected, authentic relationships. Her goal is to co-create a space that honors complexity, fosters curiosity, and supports meaningful, lasting growth.
