We first introduced you to Mary in 2012. A lot has changed in her life since then and we wanted to share with you all the great and inspiring things Mary has going on. In 2012 she was the owner of The Prenatal Picture, where she provided 3D / 4D ultrasounds to expectant moms. Read on and catch up with Mary!
Smarty Mom: Mary Lacey – Dr. Mary Lacey, Counselor
Married to: Bob Lacey syndicated radio personality on 107.9 The Link
Child(ren):My bonus- Landon and Ally; Bob’s Bonus-Madison (16) & Hampton (11)
Since our last interview with you, a lot has changed. What are you up to these days?
I run a private practice in Ballantyne working with adults, adolescents and children.
December of 2014, I graduated from Arizona State University with a Doctorate in Behavioral Health, and immediately began working with teen and tween girls. Children have so many pressures with social media and Photoshop to be perfect.I enjoy working with girls to provide them with a toolbox of positive coping skills so they are able to navigate these unrealistic expectations. Groups are held weekly at my office for girls to acquire and practice skills necessary to process these pressures.
I also works with adults with anxiety and depression issues as well as children with problematic ADHD symptoms. My passion is instilling self esteem in young girls and assisting them in creating a positive self image that will carry them into a productive adulthood. I lost my mother when I was 14 so I know the huge influence that self esteem plays in a girls life and the consequences of not having any. I have a 16 year old daughter and have witnessed the immense pressures of today’s world.
I already had a Masters in counseling so it took me an additional 2 years to obtain my doctorate. I love school- I could be a professional student! I just love learning so school has never been a stressful endeavor for me. What I wanted more than anything was for my kids to see me in school and challenged. I had homework and papers and projects just like they did so we were able to connect on that level during that time. When school demands got exceptionally frustrating (especially around dissertation time), everyone rallied together and helped me get stuff done. My husband even became the carpool king!
I loved, loved, loved all of the families I met during the eight years that I owned The Prenatal Picture. Talking to them and hearing about issues in their lives, alternative parenting methods, blended families and all of the unforeseen changes that come with transition reminded me how much I missed working with families on the therapeutic level. I had been in private practice prior to opening The Prenatal Picture so it was a natural move back. I am certain that watching and assisting the healing process in patient’s lives is where I belong. I have absolutely no regrets about closing the office. My time there had come full circle and I felt completely confident that it was time for me to move on to the next adventure. I can’t tell you how many amazing people I was blessed to meet throughout that period in my life. The biggest thing I learned from my time with The Prenatal Picture is that love comes in so many different forms and the human spirit is resilient enough to welcome them all.
What would be the best day for you to have?
My best day would be spending time with my kids all day and then going to a nice dinner with my husband. I’m pretty simple. If a massage happened to find its way into that day, all the better.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I play tennis, do yoga, cook and carpool, carpool, carpool! My husband and I walk 2 miles thru the woods every day with our 2 year old Labradoodle. That is a great time for us to talk.
What are you currently reading?
The book I am currently reading was given to me by its author, Michelle Icard. It’s called Middle School Makeover, and it is brilliant. It is a parent’s survival guide for improving the way they relate to their children during those middle school years. Michelle really nailed it in this book in regards to topics such as social media, cliques, cell phones and siblings. I lead a self esteem group for girls 11-13 and another for girls 14-18 which has been very successful in helping them navigate tough issues. I found a lot of helpful ideas in Michelle’s book and have implemented them in the group.
Recommended books:
Great standbys are How To Talk So kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish and No Regrets Parenting by Harley Robart. A great new read that I’m finding particularly interesting lately is a book called Nurture Shock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman. Two science journalists have written a book on how we have mistaken good intentions for good ideas when it comes to children. Their research will really cause you to rethink the nurturing strategies that we implement with our kids.
We are so happy to announce that Mary will be doing some guest blogging for us occasionally to discuss adolescent issues and topics that you want/need more information on. If you have a requested topic, please let us know! We look forward to having Mary share her professional insight with all of us. Check out Mary’s upcoming workshop!
Do you know a girl that struggles with low self-esteem?
Of course you do! The pressures and expectations faced by today’s tweens and teens is breathtaking!
My name is Dr. Mary Lacey and I have developed a 6 week group for girls ages 11-13 and 14-18 to address everything from cliques and peer pressure, to self-care and crushes. The program was developed utilizing the Empower program (by Rosalind Wiseman, author of the New York Times bestseller Queen Bees and Wannabes) and the Dove Self Esteem program for girls. I have supplemented the program with discussions about cliques, gossip, self-care, bullying, social media, peer pressure, positive coping skills, school stress, boys, depression and anxiety. The groups will be starting in March from 5-7:00 on Sunday nights and the cost is $400 for the full six weeks. High school senior girls will speak at one group to relay what they have learned the hard way and encourage the girls to stay strong. There will be crafts, fun groups, creative problem solving, fellowship and skills building. If you have current or past patients that are interested in enrolling, please have them call me at 704-421-5505 or email: drmarylacey@gmail.com. *Dr. Lacey is a LPC and Doctor of Behavioral Health in private practice in the South Charlotte area. Groups will be held at 8440 Rea Road, Suite M, Charlotte, NC. No insurance is accepted for these groups.
