I became passionate about this work because I've witnessed how deeply relationship trauma affects people's ability to trust themselves and others. Many of my clients come in feeling lost, unsure of what healthy actually looks like, and carrying the weight of past relationships where they lost their sense of self.
What I love most is helping people recognize that they're not broken — they're responding logically to what they've experienced. By understanding your attachment patterns and past dynamics, we can build a different future. My goal is to help you feel secure in yourself while building relationships where you're truly valued as an equal partner.
I believe therapy should be collaborative, non-judgmental, and respectful of your pace.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Teen
Demographic Expertise: Women clients.
Treatment Approach
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Eclectic Therapy Draws from different therapeutic methods based on what fits each client best. It is flexible and personalized rather than following one single model.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Family Systems Therapy Looks at problems within the context of the family as a whole. It aims to improve communication and balance in family relationships.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
- Relational Psychotherapy Emphasizes the healing power of the therapist-client relationship. It uses trust and safety as a foundation for change.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
Approach Description: I use a trauma-informed, collaborative approach drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $140
- Accepts Insurance
- New York: Aetna Carelon Behavioral Health Cigna Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield New York (formerly Empire) Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Virtual Network) Highmark BlueShield of Northeastern New York Highmark BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York Anthem EAP - Expanded Anthem EAP - Standard Arizona: Aetna Carelon Behavioral Health Cigna Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Anthem EAP - Expanded Anthem EAP - Standard Illinois: Aetna Carelon Behavioral Health Cigna Ascension (SmartHealth)
Education & Credentials
Mary Gale Gurnsey LMFT
- Female
- License # 001149
- Licensed in New York
- Practicing Since 2008
Education: Masters of Science from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Mary Gale Gurnsey Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of Arizona, Illinois, New York
- Online Therapy Details: I am using Headway to bill insurance, they come equipped with a HIPPA compliant video platform - I also have Simple Practice video
My Practice
I specialize in helping individuals and couples build healthier, more secure relationships. I work with those recovering from relationship trauma, including narcissistic abuse, domestic violence, and controlling dynamics. I also support people navigating attachment challenges, anxiety, loneliness, and the complex process of understanding what healthy relationships actually look like.
My Approach
I use a trauma-informed, collaborative, and eclectic therapeutic approach. I believe that understanding your patterns — not judging them — is the key to real change. Whether you're working through past relationship wounds, learning to trust yourself again, or trying to build a secure partnership, I meet you where you are and move at your pace.
Who I Work With
Individuals recovering from abusive or controlling relationships
Couples navigating attachment and communication challenges
People struggling with anxiety, loneliness, and relationship patterns
Those seeking to understand what healthy, reciprocal partnerships look like
My Goal
To help you reclaim your autonomy, rebuild trust in yourself, and create relationships where you feel secure, valued, and truly seen.