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MD Portrait of Dr. Mary Ann Dier-Zimmermann

Dr. Mary Ann Dier-Zimmermann

Compassionate counselor for life transitions

LCPC Illinois

Experience
35 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship
Approaches
Gottman Method, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English
Continue with Mary

About Mary

Dr. Mary Ann Dier-Zimmermann is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor practicing in Illinois with 35 years of experience.

Background and approach

She focuses on helping people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, relationship concerns, and a wide range of life changes. Dr.

Dier-Zimmermann listens with attention and respects each person’s life story and beliefs. She offers a straightforward, compassionate approach.

Sessions begin with an assessment and a clear plan that fits each person's goals. Therapy sessions cover emotional struggles, intimacy-related issues, parenting concerns, and the practical steps people can take to feel steadier.

Her work draws on relationship-focused methods, including the Gottman Method, and therapies that emphasize values and connection. These approaches help with communication patterns, attachment concerns, and aligning actions with what matters most.

Dr. Dier-Zimmermann also attends to identity and life-stage issues.

She supports people facing LGBT concerns, caregiver stress, adoption and foster care questions, aging issues, cancer-related distress, and transitions like divorce or separation. She pays attention to how beliefs and spirituality may fit into healing.

People can expect a kind, nonjudgmental space where their integrity is honored. The therapist combines listening with practical steps and collaborative planning so clients can build stronger relationships and clearer day-to-day coping skills.

How relationship work and values-based therapy translate online

Dr. Dier-Zimmermann often uses the Gottman Method to look at how partners communicate and manage conflict, focusing on practical skills for improving conversations and connection. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice their values and take small actions that match those values to reduce avoidance and build meaningful routines.

Choosing an approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options, try techniques, and adjust plans based on what a person needs and prefers. This collaborative process helps identify which methods feel most useful for relationship patterns, anxiety, grief, or life transitions.

Online sessions are offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy more flexible. Video lets people practice communication skills in real time. Phone sessions can be a good shorter option or when bandwidth is limited. Live chat or text messaging support quick check-ins, homework, or ongoing support between longer sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns can be addressed?
Support covers stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addictions, grief, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting challenges, and many other life stressors listed in the therapist’s specialties.
What is the therapist’s style in sessions?
Sessions are compassionate and direct. Dr. Dier-Zimmermann listens closely, offers assessments, and works with each person to make a practical plan.
How much clinical experience does she have?
The therapist brings 35 years of experience in clinical counseling practice, working with a broad range of emotional and relational concerns.
What credentials and location apply?
She is an LCPC - Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - licensed in Illinois and practices with that credential in the state.
What language options are available?
Sessions are offered in English.
Which session formats are offered?
Therapy can be conducted by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How are fees and subscriptions handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesBipolar disorderDepression

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexualityWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyExistential TherapyGottman MethodImago Relationship TherapyJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

35+ years

Licensed in

Illinois

Languages

English