Marla Monk
I am a licensed therapist who works with adults and couples navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, and the impact of past experiences. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices such as CBT and CPT.
I also incorporate a compassion-focused lens to help clients reduce self-criticism and build emotional resilience.
I also incorporate a compassion-focused lens to help clients reduce self-criticism and build emotional resilience. My goal is to create a supportive space where you feel understood while gaining practical tools for meaningful, lasting change.
First session
In our first session, we’ll focus on getting to know you and what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask questions about your current concerns, history, and goals, and we’ll begin to identify what you’d like to get out of our work together. You’ll also have space to ask questions and get a feel for whether the fit feels right. My goal is for you to leave feeling heard, supported, and with a clearer sense of next steps.
Strengths
What stands out about my approach is the balance between compassion and practical change. I don’t just help you understand why you’re struggling—we actively work on how to shift patterns in a way that feels manageable and lasting. Clients often leave therapy with both deeper insight and concrete tools they can use in everyday life.
Ideal clients
I work best with individuals and couples who may be feeling stuck in patterns of anxiety, self-criticism, relationship distress, or the lingering effects of trauma. I also have a passion for supporting those navigating blended family dynamics, communication challenges, and major life transitions. I’m a good fit for clients who are seeking both practical tools and a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. Many of the people I work with are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in patterns they’re ready to change—and are looking for a supportive, compassionate space to do that work.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a foundation for helping clients make sense of their inner experiences. This approach allows us to gently examine the thoughts that may be shaping emotions and behaviors, and to replace patterns that no longer serve you with ones that align more closely with your values, and goals. My goal is to offer both insight and practical tools you can carry into your daily life.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I use Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help clients process and heal from traumatic experiences. This approach focuses on identifying and gently challenging unhelpful beliefs that can develop after trauma—such as guilt, shame, or feeling unsafe. Together, we work to create more balanced perspectives so you can move forward with greater clarity and emotional freedom.
Couples Counseling
I support couples in moving from patterns of frustration, disconnection, or hurt toward deeper understanding and connection. Together, we explore the underlying dynamics in your relationship, improve communication, and work to rebuild trust and emotional safety. My goal is to help you feel more like a team again.
Compassion-Focused
Alongside approaches like CBT and CPT, I integrate compassion-focused techniques to ensure that change is not only effective, but also supportive and sustainable. While we work on shifting thoughts and patterns, we also focus on building self-compassion so growth feels empowering rather than overwhelming.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 88007
- South CarolinaLicense 14794
- VirginiaLicense 0904015471