Licensed to practice in Georgia and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Couples Counseling, Depression and 1 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi, I'm Marina! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) working with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. I have a special interest in exploring how our childhood experiences shape the way we connect with others today and how mental health can influence the different versions of ourselves we show at work, with our families, and in our relationships. My goal is to create a space where you can be honest, feel accepted, and explore who you are without judgment. I believe therapy doesn't have to be serious every second—we can acknowledge the weight of life's hardest moments while also making room for humor, self-compassion, and perspective. Together, we'll work on building healthy boundaries, improving communication, challenging unhelpful patterns, and developing greater self-acceptance so you can show up as the version of yourself that feels most authentic. Outside of the therapy room, you'll usually find me with a good book, at the gym, watching Grey's Anatomy, or spending time with my two sweet nieces, who keep life fun and full of perspective.
Our first session is all about getting to know you as a whole person—not just the challenges that brought you to therapy. We'll explore the different areas of your life that have shaped who you are today, including your family history (which often influences our beliefs about ourselves and others), medical history and medications, past experiences or trauma, educational and work background, relationships, and your goals for therapy and the future. It may feel a little like an interview at times, but there is plenty of room for your personality, questions, and conversation along the way. I also want you to have the opportunity to ask me about my therapeutic style so you can feel confident that we're a good fit. Together, we'll discuss the symptoms you're experiencing, how they're impacting your daily life, what treatment goals are most important to you, and what therapy frequency is likely to best support your progress. My hope is that you'll leave our first session with a clear understanding of where we're headed and a collaborative plan to help you reach your goals.
I believe therapy should be personalized because no two people—or their experiences—are the same. My style balances empathy with honest, direct feedback. I'll meet you with compassion as we process difficult experiences while also challenging the patterns and behaviors that may be keeping you stuck. Together, we'll build practical skills, have open conversations about what's working (and what's not), and create a plan that aligns with your goals. I believe meaningful change often requires both patience and accountability, and I'm committed to helping you move toward the life you want rather than remaining stuck in patterns that no longer serve you.
My ideal client is someone who often appears confident but feels unworthy or unsure inside. They struggle with low self-esteem, people-pleasing, or unhealthy relationship patterns—like difficulty setting boundaries or fearing rejection. They're tired of second-guessing themselves & want to break free from old cycles. Their goals are to build self-trust, feel more confident, create healthier relationships, & treat themselves with compassion.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I love using CBT to focus on understanding the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we'll identify the thoughts that arise in difficult situations, examine whether they're helpful, realistic, or accurate, and learn how to replace unhelpful thinking patterns with more balanced perspectives. As these thoughts begin to shift, many people notice improvements in their emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being.
Imago Relationship Theory
Imago Relationship Therapy is my primary approach for working with couples. It helps us understand that many of the patterns, triggers, and conflicts we experience in our relationships have roots in our earliest relationships with caregivers. Together, we'll work to recognize and change those interaction patterns while also creating space for individual healing. The goal is to strengthen your relationship by increasing understanding, improving communication, and helping each partner respond to one another with greater empathy and intention.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is my primary approach for treating trauma. Building on the foundations of CBT, CPT helps us identify the beliefs we've developed about ourselves, others, and the world after traumatic experiences that may be keeping us feeling stuck. Together, we'll explore themes such as safety, trust, power and control, self-esteem, and intimacy, challenging unhelpful beliefs and replacing them with more balanced perspectives. The goal is to reduce the impact of trauma so you can move forward with greater confidence, flexibility, and emotional well-being.