Mary Dever, LSW

She/ her
Serving clients in Pennsylvania
I Work With: Adults, Teens and Families
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree from University of Pennsylvania
Master's Degree in Social Work from Bryn Mawr College
Licensed Social Worker
Trainings & Certifications
Psychodynamic training
Trauma-Informed Care training
Eating Disorder PHP clinical training

I aim to create an inclusive, affirming, and empowering space where clients can navigate their unique journeys, build resilience, and foster a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.

Therapy has been a huge part of my own growth, and I draw from my experiences on the other side of the couch to guide my work. I understand how transformative a supportive therapeutic relationship can be, and I also know what it’s like when things don’t quite click (yep, I once had a therapist fall asleep during my session). My goal is to create a space where clients can be their true, messy, fully human selves.

I’m especially passionate about working with people navigating OCD and eating disorders. Having been misdiagnosed as just an “anxious kid” until my 20s, I’m dedicated to breaking down misconceptions about OCD and supporting individuals on their recovery journey. OCD, like many mental health issues, can be isolating and misunderstood. The same goes for eating disorders—there’s no one “look” or set of symptoms, and my goal is to provide validation and support to those who may have struggled to seek treatment due to not feeling “sick enough.” Recovery is possible, and everyone deserves it.

My experience includes working with clients navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, complex family dynamics, relationships, and donor conception topics. I utilize various therapeutic approaches—Psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, person-centered, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and art-based interventions—tailored to each individual’s needs. As part of the LGBTQ+ community, I bring a queer perspective to my practice and am committed to understanding the unique experiences within the community. With a social work background, I’m always mindful of how various environments—family, society, and the world at large—shape experiences, aiming to create a space where all aspects of identity are welcomed and supported.

With empathy, authenticity, and a down-to-earth approach, I aim to create an inclusive, affirming, and empowering space where clients can navigate their unique journeys, build resilience, and foster a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.

Fun Facts

Ideal Saturday?

Going to a coffee shop with my partner, hanging out with my three cats, and getting caught up on Survivor

Favorite way to move your body?

Wandering in and out of little local gift shops with loved ones

How do you take your coffee?

I don't drink coffee, but I love a good iced London Fog with oatmilk

Favorite thing about being a therapist?

Getting to witness clients coming home to themselves

Favorite dessert?

Funfetti cake! It's severely underrated.

purple couch and cozy decor at Therapy for Women Center Old City | 325 Cherry St | Philadelphia, PA 19106

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Kind Words From Real Patients

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“No practice has helped me the way Therapy for Women has.”

“I have been to many therapists for trauma work but no practice has helped me the way Therapy for Women has. This practice is based on mutual trust. Your therapist will happily share bits of their own life experiences. This always makes me feel less alone in what I am experiencing and make sessions feel so comfortable. I really think this practice is something special and I am SO happy I found it when I did.”

“Therapy for Women empowers clients to see change in themselves.

“Therapy for Women offers a fresh and modern approach to therapy which involves empowering clients to see change in themselves. They give you tools to supplement what’s talked about in session so you can go home and practice life skills. This step has been so crucial for my long-term recovery and emotional stability. The therapists genuinely care for each client. No matter why you go to Therapy for Women, these women WILL change your life. I really can’t thank them enough.”

“Therapy for Women has saved my life and then stuck with me to help me rebuild it from the bottom up.”

“In addition to individual therapy, I'm in a weekly group. I've created wonderful friendships here. It's also functioned as a safe space for me to experiment with things like stating my needs, getting vulnerable, setting boundaries, and receiving feedback from a non-therapist. Therapy for Women has saved my life and then stuck with me to help me rebuild it from the bottom up.”

“They just genuinely care about their patients.”

"I found this center when I needed it most in life. They matched me with a few therapists and first time was a charm. The center itself is very quick to act if you need anything. I see a psychiatrist within the practice as well and he too is amazing. They just genuinely care about their patients. You don’t feel like a time slot to them."

“…the very first therapist they hooked me up with was my perfect match.”

"Finding the right therapist is the hardest journey when you are already at your worst. I've tried multiple and none were working for me. But then I was told about Therapy for Women Center and the very first therapist they hooked me up with was my perfect match. We've been together coming on 2 years and she has really been amazing."

“The office has a soothing atmosphere, you immediately feel comfortable and at ease.”

"Happy to have found Therapy for Women Center. I can feel a change in my thinking and lifestyle and it is a huge difference from a year ago. So grateful! The office has a soothing atmosphere, you immediately feel comfortable and at ease."
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