About Spes Salvi Counseling Services

Welcome to Spes Salvi Counseling Services… a reason for hope.

Spes Salvi Counseling Services was established by Mary Lou Konsin, a Licensed Professional Counselor whose area of expertise is grief and loss.

Most recently Mary Lou has been guesting on Relevant Radio, a live Catholic radio station based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. During her time on air, Mary Lou has discussed various topics including “Grief and Loss: How To Handle The Holidays,” “The ABC’s of Gratitude: Naming Our Blessings,” and “Empty Nest Syndrome.” As a therapist whose area of expertise is loss, Mary Lou welcomes opportunities to discuss and present her knowledge with others. Mary Lou has also worked as an Oncology Counselor serving patients, families and loved ones throughout the stages of diagnosis, treatment, disease management and end-of-life related issues where she provided supportive counseling to her clients. Mary Lou’s experience spans several decades during which she has purposefully and intentionally fused her counseling and nursing skills to help individuals cope with various types of loss. Particularly with bereavement and issues related to death and dying, Mary Lou has supported her clients as they are confronted with the mystery of suffering. Related areas of expertise include providing support to children, teens, young adults, couples and families. She has facilitated an array of groups related to the field of grief and loss.

Therapeutic Approach

Mary Lou’s goal is to provide a safe place for her clients to share their story where they feel listened to and heard. She considers it a blessing to serve those who have invited her into their lives, and she operates from a strength-based orientation with her clients. Part of the therapeutic process is to assist the client in recognizing their existing resources while supporting them as they develop coping strategies and identify their own solutions to life’s challenges. Her approach to therapy as a mental health professional is guided by her faith and commitment to serve life as she recognizes one’s spirituality as being core to inner healing.

Counseling Services

Mary Lou believes that the therapeutic alliance is a collaborative process. Her focus is on the holistic well being of the client as she recognizes the importance of the mind-body connection and the impact emotional distress has on one’s spirit. A treatment plan will be discussed with the patient with regard to how to proceed and may include but are not limited to various modalities such as Client-Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral Modification or Solution-Focused interventions. Counseling sessions are 50 minutes in length. Group counseling is available and can be coordinated for individuals seeking this type of psychosocial-educational support to augment their individual counseling sessions.

Available by appointment only, you may schedule with Mary Lou by calling 770-640-6274.

Mission Statement

Choosing to seek counseling may be one of the most significant decisions you will ever make. As a Licensed Professional Counselor Mary Lou is dedicated to maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards to clients while providing services with dignity and respect in a safe atmosphere that will foster individual well-being and personal growth.

Licenses

Georgia; Licensed Professional Counselor #005078
Commonwealth of Virginia; Licensed Professional Counselor #0701004320
Commonwealth of Virginia; Registered Nurse #0001146231

Certifications

Distance Credentialed Counselor #691
Marriage & Family Therapy Certification
National Counselor Certification #236362
Certification in Thanatology: Death, Dying & Bereavement

Professional Memberships & Affiliations

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy; Associate #126269
Association for Death, Education & Counseling
Association for Play Therapy
Catholic Medical Association (Affiliate Membership)
Catholic Psychotherapy Association
Care For The Troops (CFTT)
Georgia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
International Society Mental Health Organization
Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia
Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education
National Board of Certified Counselors
Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors Association
Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology
Society of Catholic Social Scientists
Society of Our Mother of Good Counsel, Inc.; Past President

Professional Online Memberships

Education

M.Ed. Counseling and Development; George Mason University; Fairfax, Virginia
B.A. Psychology; La Roche College; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
R.N. Nursing; Allegheny Community College; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

~Reinhold Niebuhr

Did you know?

Hope to Heal