Marlene Cortes, LMFT - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Marlene Cortes

Marlene Cortes

(she/her)

LMFT
5 years of experience
Virtual

Hi there! My name is Marlene. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I've had the pleasure of working in mental health for over 5 years. I specialize in working with adults navigating major life transitions—such as starting college or becoming a parent—while also exploring how these experiences intersect with aspects of your identity, including being first-generation students, parenting in ways that break cycles of trauma, and identifying as people of color. I provide trauma-informed and culturally-sensitive care. It is always my goal to create a space where you feel safe and understood during our time together.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session, my goal is to create a space where you can begin to feel seen, heard, and at ease. I’ll ask questions to get to know you—what brings you to therapy, what’s been feeling heavy or unclear, and what you hope to gain from this process. There’s no pressure to have all the answers; you’re welcome to share as much or as little as feels comfortable. We’ll also explore the broader context of your life—your relationships, family dynamics, cultural background, and any significant transitions you’re currently navigating. Whether you’re a new parent trying to break cycles of trauma, a first-generation student balancing expectations, or someone questioning who you are in the midst of change, our first conversation is about understanding your unique experience and beginning to build a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship. I’ll share a bit about how I work, answer any questions you may have, and collaborate with you to start identifying your goals. Above all, I want you to leave feeling like this is a space where your full self is welcome—without judgment, and with compassion.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

What stands out about my therapeutic approach is the balance I strive to maintain between using effective, evidence-based methods and building a strong, authentic connection with each client. I believe that real healing happens not just through techniques, but through relationships—so I work to create a space where you feel seen, respected, and safe to explore what matters most to you. My work is grounded in trauma-informed and client-centered care, which means I pay close attention to the impact of past experiences while honoring your strengths, autonomy, and pace. I draw from approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic work, and mindfulness-based practices adapting each to fit your specific needs and goals. Clients often tell me they feel deeply supported, understood, and empowered in our work together. They leave therapy not only with new tools, but with a clearer sense of who they are, what they need, and how to move forward in ways that feel authentic and sustainable. Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, working to break cycles, or simply trying to reconnect with yourself, my goal is to help you do that with compassion, insight, and lasting change.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I’m best positioned to support adults and young adults who are navigating major life transitions that challenge their sense of identity, stability, or belonging. Many of my clients are stepping into new chapters—becoming parents, starting college, or redefining themselves after significant changes—and are trying to make sense of who they are within these shifts. I often work with parents who are committed to breaking generational cycles of trauma, and who want to parent with intention, even when it feels overwhelming or unfamiliar. I also support first-generation students who are balancing academic pressure, family expectations, and the emotional weight of being a cultural bridge. My clients are often people of color who are reflecting on how race, culture, and lived experiences shape their internal narratives and relationships. If you're feeling pulled in multiple directions, trying to honor where you come from while building something different for yourself or your family, therapy with me can be a space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with your values. My approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally sensitive. I help clients move through transition with clarity, self-compassion, and a stronger sense of who they are becoming.

About Marlene Cortes

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I was trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) under the guidance and supervision of a seasoned CBT practitioner, which gave me a strong foundation in both the theoretical framework and practical application of the model. Throughout my clinical work, I’ve used CBT in a variety of settings—including community mental health, school-based therapy, and private practice—supporting clients facing challenges like anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma-related stress. In my practice, I use CBT to help clients recognize and shift unhelpful thought patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and build more balanced perspectives. I work collaboratively with clients to identify core beliefs and how those beliefs might be impacting emotions and behaviors. CBT is especially effective for clients who want structure, concrete tools, and insight into how their thoughts influence their daily experience. While I integrate CBT techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and thought tracking, I always tailor the approach to each client’s unique needs. I also incorporate trauma-informed and culturally responsive care to ensure that CBT is used in a way that feels safe, relevant, and respectful of each person’s lived experience

Psychodynamic

My foundation in psychodynamic therapy began during my LMFT graduate program, where I completed a year-long practicum course that emphasized training on this approach. Under the guidance of a professor specializing in psychodynamic theory, I had the opportunity to apply these principles with real clients early in my training. This experience emphasized the importance of understanding unconscious processes, early attachment history, and relational patterns as they emerge within the therapeutic relationship. I continued to deepen this work throughout my associate years under the supervision of clinicians who also specialized in psychodynamic therapy. Their mentorship helped me integrate this lens into my clinical style in a meaningful and nuanced way. I’ve used psychodynamic therapy across a range of clinical settings—including community mental health and private practice—to support clients navigating significant life transitions, anxiety, depression, and relational challenges. In practice, I help clients explore the unconscious patterns, early relational experiences, and internal conflicts that may be shaping their current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This approach allows us to look beneath the surface—beyond immediate symptoms—to understand the deeper emotional truths that contribute to current struggles. I work with clients to make connections between past and present, develop greater emotional insight, and build awareness around how their internal world shapes the way they relate to themselves and others. Therapy is not just about symptom relief, but about fostering a deeper, more compassionate understanding of the self. This kind of work can be especially powerful during identity shifts, such as becoming a parent or stepping into new roles that bring unresolved emotions to the surface. While my approach is depth-oriented, I always move at a pace that feels safe and supportive. I ground my work in a trauma-informed and client-centered framework, prioritizing a therapeutic relationship that is consistent, attuned, and empowering—so that lasting change can emerge from within.