Meet Mary Lou Kerins of Mary Lou Ercoli, A Marriage and Family Therapy Corporation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Lou Kerins.

Mary Lou, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up with a younger sister who has Down syndrome and was naturally cast into a helping role from a young age, so it always felt like second nature to support others. I know that’s also where I developed patience with people who process and function differently than I do.

Even as a child and into young adulthood, I noticed that others often came to me for support, guidance, and advice. I seemed to attract people who were seeking to know themselves better, make good decisions, and wanted my help in doing so.

In high school, I met with the campus counselor through a religious ministry arrangement, and that’s when I asked her more about her profession. She explained the path to becoming an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist). Although it felt daunting at the time, I found it genuinely interesting. For the first time, I could envision myself in a profession that aligned with my natural gifts. It felt like a realistic and meaningful goal.

I spoke with my parents and did further research into the profession—and I never looked back. Later that year, after that pivotal conversation with the counselor, I decided to pursue the same career path. However, I knew I didn’t want to end up in education; I wanted to work more directly with individuals.

I chose to attend a local community college in Orange County to save money for the master’s degree I would need. That decision turned out to be a great one and helped me avoid unnecessary debt. I transferred from Saddleback College to Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA, and later applied to five schools for my master’s in counseling. I ultimately chose Cal State Long Beach and made life-changing connections during my time there.

I completed my practicum (a required graduate internship) at a nonprofit in Long Beach and was hired on as their intake coordinator for another 6–9 months. After that, I worked at an inpatient rehab facility in San Juan Capistrano, then moved to a hospital setting in Aliso Viejo.

While working at the rehab, I sought additional experience and supervision through a private practice supervisor, who took me on as an associate while I worked toward licensure. That’s where I began working with higher-functioning clients—people I truly enjoyed working with and could relate to.

Later, I returned to my former high school in San Juan Capistrano for a year to complete my required hours, all while continuing to build my private practice caseload. After getting licensed, I decided to pursue private practice full time—and I’ve been doing it ever since.

Looking back, I’m deeply thankful for the path that led me to where I am now. Working in private practice allows me to use my strengths in a meaningful way, and I don’t take that for granted.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road definitely had its ups and downs. Personally, I was dealing with relationship challenges during that time, which added emotional weight to an already demanding journey. It was also difficult because my parents had moved across the country just before I began graduate school, so I was truly on my own for the first time (aside from my college years).

What helped me navigate it all was being a self-proclaimed Type A personality. My diligence with deadlines, attention to detail, and commitment to reading the fine print—whether from my school or the licensing board—helped me avoid a lot of unnecessary stress. I made sure to document my hours accurately and stay on top of every requirement for licensure. This is definitely a profession where being organized is a huge advantage, and I saw firsthand how a lack of that skill prevented some from ever completing the process.

Another challenge was the frequent job changes—about once a year. Our licensing requirements call for experience with different populations, which often means switching work settings multiple times. That lack of continuity was tough. But once I began seeing private practice clients, I finally found some stability. I knew I’d stay with the same supervisor through licensure, and I truly enjoyed the work. That consistency made a big difference during the final stretch of the journey.

We’ve been impressed with Mary Lou Ercoli, A Marriage and Family Therapy Corporation, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My practice focuses on helping individuals in their 20s and 30s overcome anxiety, depression, and navigate major life transitions. I use Feedback-Informed Therapy, a tool that tracks client progress throughout our work together. This allows clients to see measurable results and ensures that their time and financial investment are being used meaningfully.

I regularly invite feedback from clients about what’s working, what’s not, and how aligned we are with their goals. This creates an open dialogue and gives clients the opportunity to speak up if something isn’t resonating. By using this data-driven approach, I can confidently say that my services are effective—I have countless progress graphs showing how clients become significantly less symptomatic and more fulfilled over time.

While I use evidence-based interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I also pride myself on being a practical, down-to-earth confidante. My style is very solution-focused. Clients leave each session with actionable steps and clear takeaways, because I believe real change happens between sessions.

What sets me apart is the emphasis I place on the client experience and the value they receive. I don’t assume I know better than my clients—I see therapy as a collaborative process. I check in often to ensure we’re on track, and I welcome honest feedback. This commitment not only improves outcomes but helps me grow continuously as a therapist.

I’m proud to offer a style of therapy that’s both effective and empowering. My goal is for clients to feel heard, supported, and equipped to make meaningful changes in their lives.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
As a young child, I was shy and observant, and I struggled immensely with generalized anxiety. At the time, my parents weren’t sure what was going on, and I wish I had access to the supportive therapy that’s more available today—but back then, mental health wasn’t talked about as openly as it is now.

As I grew older, I became more confident and very people-centered. I was highly social and loved having as many friends as possible. I was often mature and wise beyond my years, making thoughtful decisions compared to many of my peers. I found myself pondering life, decisions, and relationships more deeply than most, which eventually contributed to my interest in pursuing a career in therapy.

In terms of interests, I was involved in a variety of sports, music, and singing. I often performed in the school choir and was even given solos at church and school concerts. But mostly, I loved spending time with friends and having sleepovers at my home or theirs on weekends.

I come from a very close-knit family and spent a lot of time with my sister and parents. I appreciate the religious values they instilled in me, along with important family traditions like eating dinner together every night. They always emphasized that hobbies should never replace the importance of family relationships. This is a value I continue to honor in my own life with my husband and children.

Pricing:

• $175/session for individuals
• $200/session for couples

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.therapywithmarylou.com
• Instagram: @therapywithmarylou

Image Credits
Kiernan Coliflores