Meet Mariya Blue

 My name is Mariya, but I go by Mary. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has always had a passion for working with people to solve and cope with problems in their lives. I attended Loyola University-Chicago, where I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work. During my career, I gained knowledge and experience in various settings, such as counseling, medical social work, case management, community outreach, and worked with Holocaust Survivors. I work with most populations, including teens, adults, and older adults. 

I have experience working with clients suffering from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief, aging, phase of life changes, care giver burnout, substance abuse, life and socioeconomic stressors, and relationship challenges.

I believe that every single person is capable of change. Change happens when one is given the support, guidance, and skills they need to discover their strengths and use them to fulfill their potential to live a happy, healthy, and purposeful life. I provide an environment of warmth, compassion, and support in order to aide clients in taking the necessary steps towards healing, in all aspects of their lives. Everyone has unique needs and experiences; therefore, a unique healing approach is required for mental health well-being. 

My beliefs are strongly centered around keeping families together and figuring out ways to reunite, reconnect and thrive together. I understand socioeconomic struggles and how those affect our mental health well-being. I also believe that all individuals can find resilience within themselves and offer a culturally sensitive approach to my work. These beliefs and knowledge stem from my personal background, as I emigrated from Ukraine as a child. 

I use the following approaches when working with clients: Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT), and Multicultural perspectives. 

In my spare time, I like to spend time with my husband, family, and friends. I love traveling and trying new foods. I am also very much an animal person, and have three spoiled cats, Moo Moo, Luna and Kitty.