LICSW, 7 years of experience
New to Grow
Hello, My name is Marika' D. I am licensed as a clinical social worker in multiple states and I focus on the following areas: anxiety, depression, relationships, stress, family dynamics/issues, parenting, life stress, job related stress, education, coping skills/strategies, organization, adjustment, etc. I desire to utilize a strengths-based and empowerment perspective to help patients feel like active participants in the therapeutic process. I am also comfortable incorporating Christian/faith-based principles if desired.
The first session is an assessment where we gather background and historical information to better understand your reasons for seeking support. We will begin developing a treatment plan together, identifying your goals and how we will work toward them. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions and start building a roadmap for your progress.
As a therapist, I believe my greatest strength is my approachability. I am professional yet conversational, creating a space where clients feel comfortable sharing openly. Therapy is most effective when you can trust that your therapist has your best interest in mind, and I strive to provide a safe, supportive environment that helps you take meaningful steps toward a better version of yourself.
I am best positioned to work with clients who have a goal in mind and are motivated to achieve it. Even if you haven’t been in therapy before, it can be helpful to have a sense of what you hope to change and how you’ll measure progress. My approach works best with clients who are active participants in their process and want to be engaged during sessions.
As a Christian counselor and minister’s daughter, my faith has always been at the center of my life and work. Growing up in church and serving on the executive board helped me understand both the beauty and challenges that come with walking in faith. I created The Therapy + Jesus Workbook to help people connect biblical truth with practical mental health tools. In my sessions, I offer a safe, faith-based space where you can work through life’s struggles, strengthen your relationship with God, and find emotional healing.
I have over 7 years of experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand and change unhelpful thought patterns and beliefs. Together, we explore the “why” behind your behaviors—examining motivations, assumptions, and thought processes—to uncover what drives your actions. By identifying these patterns, we work toward practical strategies that create lasting changes in behavior, helping you feel more in control and aligned with your goals.
I help couples strengthen their relationships through open communication, shared goals, and deeper intimacy. My approach focuses on teamwork, practical strategies, and solutions over problems, with me guiding rather than taking the place of a partner. Parents also learn tools to navigate family challenges while staying connected.
In person-centered therapy, clients lead the sessions and guide their own journey. My role is to serve as a supportive guide, helping you explore your thoughts and feelings, gain insight into yourself, and work toward your personal goals at your own pace. This approach creates a safe, non-judgmental space where you are empowered to discover your strengths and make meaningful changes.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is designed to help clients identify specific challenges and work toward practical solutions within a limited number of sessions. The focus is on the present, setting clear goals, and creating strategies to achieve them, empowering you to make meaningful changes efficiently and effectively.