“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
Marina in her natural habitat
Hi There!
This is about me as a human. If you want to learn about the services I offer, please see the Couples Therapy, Discernment Counseling, Individual Therapy, or Family Therapy pages
First off, I’m kind of a dork. I clap when clients say something funny. I drop things, often. Sometimes I run into the door jamb - because that sucker is tricky.
I was raised by two English teachers, so I’m also kind of a nerd. I like science and true crime podcasts. Cuz the world is weird and people are messy, and I’m here for it.
I’ve lived in 4 countries (US, Mexico, England, and Scotland). If you are thinking, “England and Scotland are the same country, right?” well, legally, yes. But culturally…not even a little.
My personality is pretty bold. I’ll say the thing everyone is thinking but nobody will say. This trait can be fun but not all employers love it.
I swear sometimes, and it’s totally fine if you want to swear, too.
I moved to Colorado in 1999, which ended my nomadic life. I fell in love with the state. So yeah, I do a lot of the things: hike, snowshoe, enjoy the scenery. I do not ski, because I don’t like lines or physical danger or high speeds.
I have a husband and a cat, and I really like both of them.
Feel free to ask me any questions. I’m pretty open about who I am, and you should feel comfortable knowing your therapist is a person first.
Marina being funny
My qualifications
I was a late bloomer, and didn’t know what I wanted to do until my early 30s.
I got my Master’s Degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 2005. The degree is “Community Counseling, Emphasis: Marriage and Family Therapy.” Whew - what a mouthful!
I’ve been licensed in Colorado since 2007. Since then, I’ve added licenses in Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Alaska.
I started my career in juvenile corrections, the sweaty crotch of American mental health care. I was there 6 years. Then I did 10 years auditing child welfare. What this means for you? Well, I’m pretty hard to shock, and I tend to stay very calm. I mean, if you’re not going to shank me, I’m not going to get agitated.
I’ve been in private practice since 2013, with my focus being helping couples. I also see individuals and families.
Specialized couples training
In 2015, while working with a couple, I realized I didn’t have enough skills to help them, even with a Masters and 10 years of experience. (They were kind of extreme TBH.) So I thought, “I guess it’s time for Gottman.”
I took my first Gottman training in 2015. Since then, I’ve taken the 3 core trainings, additional training in affairs, mental illness in couples, and addiction. Then I got certified.
If you’ve ever gotten certified in anything, you know it’s a pain in the wazoo. You’ve got to want it.
I wanted it.
Here’s where you can learn more about Couples Therapy
EMDR Training
Everyone has at least a little trauma, and some people have a lot.
I’ve been trained in EMDR and have been using it for many years.
Here’s where you can learn more about EMDR and how it can help you.
Why I love what I do
I knew from the start I wanted to work with couples, families, and individuals.
What I didn’t realize was that I would fall in love with working with couples.
There are so many reasons I love this work - I’ll just list a few
Almost everyone who has a person really loves their person, even if they behave badly
I get to watch couples heal from infidelity and come back stronger than before - that’s so profound
Being with people in real time as they learn a new skill, practice it with each other, then immediately see how much better their partner reacts
Helping couples have more joy and connection, with less damaging conflict
Helping individuals, such as
Finally telling their mother “no” to an unreasonable request
Being able to stop taking things so personally
Knowing you’re good enough - in your heart, not just your head
Sometimes, it’s hella funny. Yep, sometimes we laugh
