Mary Elizabeth Burns, M.S., N.C.C., L.P.C.

Mary Elizabeth Burns, LPC, is a psychotherapist known for her nuanced, integrative approach to emotional and relational health. Her work is grounded in both clinical rigor and a deep respect for the complexity of the human experience. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Colorado State University and her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Georgia State University, where she developed advanced training in evidence-based and mind-body approaches to treatment.

Mary works with individuals who are often outwardly capable yet privately overwhelmed—those navigating the quiet weight of anxiety, perfectionism, relational strain, or unresolved trauma. Her approach moves beyond surface-level coping, helping clients understand the deeper patterns shaping their internal world and relationships.

Drawing from somatic therapy, breathwork, and evidence-based modalities such as CBT and DBT, Mary’s work focuses on how emotional experiences are held not only in the mind, but in the body. Sessions are designed to create both insight and tangible shift—supporting clients in releasing entrenched patterns, strengthening emotional regulation, and developing a more grounded, self-trusting way of living.

Known for her steady, attuned presence, Mary creates a space that is both quietly held and actively collaborative. Clients often seek her out for her ability to bring clarity to complex internal experiences, and to support meaningful, lasting change that extends well beyond the therapy room.

Mary approaches therapy with both depth and practicality. While insight matters, She does not believe healing happens solely through talking about problems intellectually. Many emotional patterns are deeply tied to the nervous system — the body learning to stay guarded, hyperaware, disconnected, over-functioning, or emotionally shut down in order to cope.

Her work integrates somatic therapy, breathwork, CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation. Clients are able to understand themselves differently — with less shame, less internal pressure, and more emotional flexibility.

Does this sound familiar? 

• overthink everything yet still feel emotionally stuck
• feel chronically responsible for others
• struggle to relax without guilt
• tie their worth to achievement, appearance, productivity, or being needed
• feel emotionally depleted from difficult relationships
• appear “high functioning” while privately feeling anxious, disconnected, or overwhelmed
• have spent years criticizing themselves in ways they would never speak to anyone else

The therapeutic relationship itself matters deeply, especially for individuals who have spent much of their lives feeling misunderstood, dismissed, or emotionally alone.

Healing is rarely linear, and she does not approach people as problems to be fixed. Often, the patterns clients feel ashamed of once served a purpose — protecting them, helping them adapt, or allowing them to survive emotionally difficult environments. Therapy can become a space to approach those patterns with more understanding while gradually building a life that feels more connected, grounded, and sustainable.

Mary welcomes clients seeking therapy in Cumming and Sandy Springs, Georgia, as well as virtual therapy throughout Georgia.

Breathwork therapy is a holistic therapeutic approach that utilizes conscious and controlled breathing techniques to promote emotional healing, personal growth, and overall well-being. It combines elements of psychology, spirituality, and physiology to facilitate a deep connection between the mind, body, and breath.

The breathwork session is an opportunity for individuals to access and process deep-rooted emotions, trauma, and limiting beliefs that may be stored in the body. It can help individuals release stagnant energy, gain insights into their patterns and behaviors, and create space for transformation and personal growth.