Our Mission:
The counseling mission at St. Mary’s is to facilitate healing growth, and wholeness. Our staff are trained and experienced mental health professionals dedicated to providing counseling and psychotherapy within a context of Christian values, respect and empathy.
Counseling Staff

Mary Ellen Ruff, PhD, LPC, ATR-BC, BC-TMH has spent more than 25 years serving individuals, couples, and families seeking support and help with emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. Mary Ellen uses a strengths-based approach to engage with her clients and form meaningful relationships that facilitate and support change. Trained and credentialed in both art therapy and counseling, Mary Ellen is able to creatively approach her work with clients in providing a unique and effective therapy experience. Currently, Mary Ellen is seeing clients both virtually and in person. For more information about Mary Ellen, please visit maryellenruff.com, email drruff@maryellenruff.com, or call to schedule an appointment at (703) 303-4983.
We are available to help with:
Depression and loneliness | Low self-esteem |
Marital distress | Addictions |
Life transitions Anxiety and stress | Domestic violence |
Family relations | Career counseling |
Personal growth and life goals | Grief and loss |
Anger | ACOA/ACDF |
Parent/child difficulties | Personal work problems |
Interpersonal problems | Trauma |
Abuse | Peer relationships |
Separation and divorce | Leadership development |