Licensed to practice in 4 states and accepts 50 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Couples Counseling, Depression and 9 more.

Stephen Marley

LCSW, 1 year of experience
Solution oriented
Intelligent
Open-minded
VirtualAvailable

About me

Hi, I'm Stephen Marley, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 34 years of experience helping adults and couples navigate life's most challenging seasons. I work with people experiencing anxiety, relationship struggles, grief, life transitions, caregiving stress, burnout, and the feeling that somewhere along the way, they've lost themselves. Many of the people I work with are used to being the dependable one. They're the person everyone else relies on at work, at home, or in their family. They keep showing up, taking care of responsibilities, and pushing through—even when they're overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure how much longer they can keep doing it. Others come to therapy because they're struggling in their relationship, grieving a significant loss, or trying to find their footing after retirement, an empty nest, a career change, or another major life transition. My approach is straightforward, practical, and conversational. Therapy shouldn't feel like you're talking to a stranger who simply nods while you do all the work. We'll have honest conversations, explore what's keeping you stuck, and develop practical tools you can use in your everyday life. I tailor therapy to your unique situation because no two people walk through my virtual door with the same story or the same goals. Whether you're looking to strengthen your relationship, better manage anxiety, process grief, or regain a sense of direction, my goal is to help you understand what's happening, why it's happening, and what you can do about it. I want you to leave each session with greater clarity, confidence, and practical strategies you can begin using right away. Everything is figure-outable.

Get to know me

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

Our first session is simply a conversation. We'll talk about what's been weighing on you, what you hope will be different, and what's getting in the way. You don't need to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say. I'll ask questions to better understand your story, your strengths, and what you've already tried. Together, we'll begin identifying what's keeping you stuck and discuss practical ways to move forward. My goal is for you to leave that first session feeling heard, with greater clarity and a sense of direction.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I believe therapy should feel like a conversation—not a lecture or a place where someone simply nods while you talk. I'll listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, offer honest feedback, and help you develop practical tools you can use between sessions. Over more than 34 years, I've learned that no two people arrive with the same story, so I don't believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. I draw from evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and the Gottman Method for couples, tailoring our work to your goals and circumstances. Whether you're navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, grief, major life transitions, caregiving, retirement, or feeling overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life, we'll focus on understanding what's happening, why it's happening, and what you can do about it. My goal isn't to keep you in therapy indefinitely. It's to help you build the confidence, skills, and perspective to navigate life's challenges long after our work together ends.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Many of the people I work with are used to being the dependable one. They show up for their family, work, and everyone else, but privately they're overwhelmed, anxious, grieving, disconnected, or simply exhausted. Others come to therapy because their relationship is struggling, they're navigating a major life transition, or they're trying to adjust to a loss that has changed their life. My ideal clients don't have to know exactly what's wrong or have all the answers before they begin. They simply recognize that something isn't working anymore and want practical help moving forward. Together, we'll understand what's happening, why it's happening, and develop tools you can use to feel more confident, communicate more effectively, and navigate life's challenges with greater clarity. If you're looking for therapy that's honest, practical, and focused on real-life change, I'd be glad to help.

Specialties

Top specialties

Anxiety

Depression

Other specialties

Grief

Military/Veterans

Self Esteem

Identifies as

Serves ages

Accepts

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I’ve found CBT to be a practical and effective approach in helping clients understand and change unhelpful thought patterns. In my practice, I work collaboratively with clients to identify negative thinking and develop healthier perspectives and coping skills. I focus on teaching tools that promote lasting change and greater emotional control, tailoring the approach to each person’s unique needs and goals.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I use ACT to help clients build psychological flexibility by accepting difficult emotions rather than fighting them. In sessions, I guide clients to clarify their values and take committed action toward what matters most to them, even in the presence of pain or discomfort. This approach encourages mindfulness and self-compassion, helping clients live more meaningful and fulfilling lives. I tailor ACT techniques to fit each client’s unique challenges and goals.

Couples Counseling

In couples counseling, I work with partners to improve communication, deepen understanding, and resolve conflicts in a safe and supportive space. I help couples identify patterns that create distance or tension and guide them toward healthier ways of relating. My goal is to strengthen the connection by fostering empathy, trust, and shared goals tailored to each couple’s unique relationship.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

I use solution-focused therapy to help clients quickly identify their strengths and resources to create practical solutions. Rather than dwelling on problems, we focus on what’s working and build on those successes. This approach is collaborative and goal-oriented, empowering clients to make positive changes that fit their unique lives.

, 5 ratings

1 rating with written reviews

October 4, 2025

Very empathetic

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 5 with Stephen