I’m Mary Jo Kraus, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist at The Banyan Tree Center in Athens, Georgia. I’ve been doing this work for over 25 years, and honestly, it has never felt like work to me. From pretty early on, I knew I wanted to walk alongside people through the hard stuff in life, partly because I’ve been through some of my own.

I spent more than a decade teaching as an adjunct professor, which kept me close to the research and genuinely excited about learning. I’ve also provided clinical supervision over the years, both of which have shaped who I am as a therapist today.

Oh, and being the eldest of seven kids? That’ll teach you leadership whether you signed up for it or not. All of it, the academics, the life experience, the big chaotic family, informs the compassionate, evidence-based care I try to bring every day.

I am EMDR certified with over 50 hours of training and supervision. I practice what’s called IFS-informed EMDR and I’ve seen it make a real difference for the people I work with.

Here’s something I’ll be upfront about: early in my training, I was taught to keep things strictly professional. No self-disclosure, period. That never really felt like me. I’m open about my own experiences when it feels helpful. I think therapy works best when it’s a two-way street. I show up with honesty and warmth, meet you where you are, and bring both real life experience and real clinical training to the table.

Therapy works best when it’s a two-way street.

Background and Credentials

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), State of Georgia and State of Florida
• Doctor of Social Work (PhD)
• EMDR certified, 50+ hours of training and supervision
• IFS-informed EMDR practitioner
• 25+ years of clinical experience
• Adjunct professor and clinical supervisor, 10+ years
• Background in community mental health, university, and private practice settings

How I Work

• In person at The Banyan Tree Center, Athens, GA
• Telehealth available
• Adults

Approaches

EMDR, IFS-informed, mindfulness-based, psychoeducation, parts work, and trauma-focused.

Trauma in Athens, GA

Who I work with. People come to me carrying all kinds of things. There are big T traumas, the significant ones, and little t traumas, the everyday stressors like grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and relationship pain. Either way, trauma isn’t just something that lives in your head. It shows up in your body, your relationships, your emotions, and your behavior. It might look like intrusive memories, nightmares, shame that won’t quit, mood swings, or patterns you keep falling into even when you don’t want to.

What we do together. The tools I use most, EMDR, parts work, and genuine human connection, are designed to help you figure out your story and decide who you actually want to be. We work to process what’s been stuck, not so you forget the past, but so it stops running your present. I also bring in a lot of education about how trauma works, because understanding why you respond the way you do can take a huge weight off the self-blame. Most clients start noticing a real shift within one to two months. For more recent traumas or phobias, sometimes just a few sessions can make a big difference.

Attachment Wounds

Who I work with. A lot of people I work with come in feeling like something is just off in their relationships. Anxiety about being abandoned, trouble trusting, people-pleasing, emotional numbness, or a sense that they can never quite feel close enough or safe enough. These patterns usually go back to early experiences, childhood neglect, inconsistent caregiving, or painful past relationships.

What we do together. Here’s what I want people to know: these aren’t personal failures. They’re learned responses, and they can change. We go gently and at your pace. We build awareness, learn to name and manage emotions, and create a safe place to practice something new. Clients who do this work often come out with stronger self-esteem, healthier boundaries, less anxiety in relationships, and connections that actually feel good. Healing is genuinely possible.

Life Transitions

Who I work with. Feeling stuck? You’re not alone. Even changes we want can throw us completely off balance. A relationship shift, a career change, a health challenge, a family situation, or just a new chapter you didn’t see coming. Transitions can feel confusing and hard to explain to people who aren’t in them.

What we do together. My job is to help you slow down, look at your options clearly, understand why you’re feeling what you’re feeling, and find your footing again. I believe every person has the capacity to move through change. Sometimes you just need someone in your corner to help you see the way forward with a little more clarity and a lot more self-compassion.

A Few Things I Want You to Know

Before your first session

If something doesn’t feel right, you can tell me, including if you feel like we’re not a good fit. At The Banyan Tree we have so many talented providers that if we don’t click, we’ll find someone who is right for you.

Something I wish more people knew

A lot of people wait to get help because they worry that needing support means something is wrong with them. In reality, going to therapy is one of the most self-aware, proactive things a person can do.

Who I do my best work with

Clients who are willing to look at their own patterns, sit with hard emotions, and do the work of changing. If you’re ready to show up for yourself, I’ll show up for you.