Mary MacCudden

My path to counseling began in the classroom. As a former high school teacher and coach, I spent years walking alongside adolescents through the everyday pressures of growing up — academic stress, identity, relationships, and the search for direction and purpose. That experience shapes how I work with clients today: with patience, warmth, and a deep respect for the fact that every stage of life brings its own kind of transition. I typically work with clients ranging from young adolescents to adults who may be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, burnout, or uncertainty about the future. I draw on a person-centered and narrative approach, helping clients reframe their stories and view themselves through a lens of strength rather than limitation. My work is grounded in trauma-informed care emphasizing multicultural awareness and empowerment so that each person feels supported as they explore their inner world. Because of my background in education, I often integrate career counseling, academic coaching, and elements of Solutions-Focused therapy modalities into this process, helping clients clarify goals, navigate transitions, and build the confidence to move forward, both personally and professionally. I am especially passionate about working with those in the education field such as students, educators, administrators, and families. I received my bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2016 in Secondary English Education and have maintained an active teaching license since. I attended Mount Mary University and received both my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and my post-master’s degree in School Counseling in 2025. Outside of the clinic setting, I am an active school counselor working with predominantly BIPOC teens. I also spend an ample amount of time reading (ALWAYS give me book recommendations), traveling, exploring the Milwaukee area, spending time with family, and hanging out with my two cats, Huckleberry and Morrison.