Q & A with Mary Schaub,LMSW

Can you tell me a little more about your work experience?

Following my graduation with an Undergraduate Degree in Sociology and Psychology, I began my career working in the Juvenile Justice System in Leelanau County. I began as a Probation Officer and assumed various responsibilities including case management with abuse and neglect cases as well as foster care and adoption. After 16 years in the court system, I was employed at the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments in development of programs that were alternatives to incarceration of juvenile offenders in jail or other detention facilities. As Program Manager, I facilitated a move of that program to Boysville of Michigan (now know as Holy Cross Services) in effort to develop those alternative programs around the State of Michigan. I began graduate school in 1994 through Grand Valley State University, following the completion of my MSW degree, I began work as a case manager and therapist at Wedgwood Christian Counseling here in Traverse City. That agency merged with Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services and I began work as a full time outpatient therapist. After nearly 45 years of full-time social work and counseling, I chose to retire from full-time work and I accepted a part-time position with Adaptive Counseling & Case Management. 

What drew you to this profession?

I’ve always known that I wanted to work with children and families, thinking that with a nursing degree I could be a helper and servant. My mother had a heart for serving others so I believe her influence led me down that path. When I began my education at Northwestern Michigan College, I was enrolled in the pre-requisite classes in their registered nursing program. After taking both Sociology and Psychology classes, I was drawn to the field of social work. 

Have you had any special training during your career?

Holding a position in the Juvenile Justice System required training through the Michigan Judicial Institute regarding the laws and court rules related to processing minors through the court system. I’ve attended numerous conferences, workshops throughout my career. The most interesting was a Professional Partnering Training through Forest View Hospital’s Eating Disorder Program. I worked and trained with a LMSW and a Registered Nutritionist working directly with patients in that program. 

Can you tell me more about your work experience working with eating disorders?

After being introduced to working with ED patients at Forest View, I began to see patients individually and with their families. The most important things I learned and used in my own treatment with them was that it was extremely important to develop the patient’s own individualized treatment team including family members (parents, preferably), medical physicians, nutritionist, psychiatrist, and dentists (where appropriate). It is also important that all members of the team communicate to have a “holistic” approach to treating these disorders. It was also important to me to have a strong and supportive relationship with an eating disorder center, as often times the patient would need hospitalization to stabilize both their physical and mental health. 

What areas of counseling are you passionate about?

I am very passionate about working with women and female adolescents. First of all, we all know that women are more prone to seek counseling and enter therapy with a desire and motivation to improve their moods, their relationships, and their life styles. Women, for various reasons, tend to feel hopeless and helpless, depressed, anxious, nervous, worried and stressed. They often time feel worthless, dislike themselves, lack self-esteem and feel disempowered. I find it rewarding to se them rise above those thoughts and feelings about themselves and feel accomplished, accepted and hopeful. This is the message I want to see them be able to give their children, particularly their daughters.

What do you think someone who is considering seeing you for counseling should know about you?

My belief is we were created to be balanced in body, mind and spirit so that is the approach I take in seeing individuals. In developing treatment plans, I believe it is important to address having a healthy body, a sound and healthy mind and a spiritual journey. I am a Christian and I bring that into therapy so as to give clients a sense that they are not walking this life’s journey alone and they can seek guidance, support, peace and help from God.