Mary began her career as a special education teacher in Arlington, Texas. After several years of teaching, she felt like God was calling her to pursue counseling to better understand and care for children. She received her Master of Education and PhD in Counseling from the University of North Texas. While at UNT, Mary specialized in play therapy and working with young children and families. She has been a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor since 2006. Mary is also a trainer for Child-Centered Play Therapy and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy at the Center for Play Therapy in Denton, Texas. After 11 years as a professor in the Professional Counseling Program at Texas State University, Mary retired from academia to be home with her own children. Dr. Bennett is a frequent speaker and presenter across the United States and in Europe. Dr. Bennett has published resources on the play therapy process, trauma, and play therapy supervision in professional journals and books. She is the co-author of Child Parent Relationship Therapy-Toddler Model and Child Teacher Relationship Training.
Dr. Bennett is passionate about providing biblically based and scientifically informed care for children and families. She provides therapy for young children under 12 years of age and consultation for parents who are struggling with a variety of challenges. Her areas of specialty are working with young children who have experienced trauma, adoption, parent-child relationship struggles, and general behavioral challenges of children.
Mary and her husband Robbie are parents of two fun and engaging children. They serve as deacons at the West Campus of The Austin Stone. They love to cook amazing food and be in community with others.
