About
My name is Marlene - welcome! Taking the first step can be terrifying, exciting and unknown. It is a step of faith and it is so courageous. If you decide to move forward, it would be an honor to journey with you.
As a trauma-informed, first generation Latina psychotherapist, I mainly work with children, teens, women who've experienced emotional, spiritual, and physical abuse, intergenerational trauma, and individuals developing their racial identity, experiencing relationship loss, or grieving. I believe we are all created for connecting and flourishing relationships. Yet, oftentimes, trauma and disconnection are at the heart of human pain and suffering; shame, guilt, perfectionism, overthinking, insecurities and a perceived low worth are signaling to deeper thoughts and beliefs about our identity and our being. Such can be because of societal expectations, our family of origin, or learned ways of engaging in the world where coping mechanisms say we need to push through, to ignore the thoughts and emotions, and to work harder; we are stuck in harmful ways of thinking, feeling and acting. This can lead to further disconnection, isolation and suffering.
Instead, it is my belief that these painful places are the holy places that open us to change and transformation towards higher levels of connection and healing with our Creator, ourselves and others. We are called to abide in Him and He abides in us; then we can be safe and begin to be curious and open to wonder how our childhoods, our families of origin, and our styles of relating may be informing our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. And how can we transform them to more generative and meaningful lives? When we are able to name these painful sacred places, we begin to invite Light and move further towards healing, freedom and flourishing.
I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Theological Studies from Seattle University. My personal healing and faith journey led me to a Master in Counseling Psychology from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, with a Concentration in Trauma and Abuse.
I offer in-person and virtual sessions in Federal Way, WA. I specialize in trauma and abuse (emotional, spiritual, physical), grief and loss, and I work with children (6 years and older), teens, and adults.
Why I Became a Professional Christian Therapist
I became a Christian therapist because I believe we are all vessels for God's work - His hands and feet. I struggled with perfectionism, shame, and guilt and I received help from a Christian therapist. Such experiences allowed me a new view of God's healing in my life and I developed a passion to provide a similar spiritually safe space for other people. I've witnessed people in their most vulnerable and painful seasons and because of Him and others who helped me, my prayer is to offer a similar hand of hope.
Client Payment Information
- Client rates are on a sliding scale
