Hi, I’m Marly
I’m a Licensed Social Worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work, and I work with children, adolescents, and young adults. My Bachelor’s degree is also in Social Work, and during that time I provided case management at an emergency family shelter, led a social skills group for teens, and mentored middle school students.
I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem and identity concerns, school-related challenges, and adjustment or life transitions. Sometimes life can feel a little turbulent, and my goal is to help you find your footing, recognize the resilience and strengths already within you, and feel more confident navigating whatever comes next.
I also have a special interest in working with first-generation individuals, multicultural communities, and immigrant populations. As a first-generation college graduate, and as someone who grew up deeply immersed in two cultures, I understand that navigating unfamiliar spaces and building your own path can come with its own set of challenges. But it doesn’t have to feel isolating, and you don’t have to navigate it on your own.
I currently work in community mental health in Will County as well. As a school-based mental health counselor, I have the opportunity to work with children and adolescents in the environments where they spend much of their time, supporting them through academic, social, emotional, and personal challenges.
My Approach
I would describe myself as incredibly empathetic, creative, artistic, and tenacious. My approach to therapy is person-centered and collaborative. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) approaches, though I always adapt my approach based on the individual sitting in front of me. With kids, I’ll incorporate play and creative strategies when it feels right for them. But whoever you may be, whatever works best for you will work best for me.
Our relationship is prioritized
I am not a fan of making therapy feel overly clinical or intimidating. I truly believe that the relationship is what matters most, and I want my clients to feel comfortable being themselves, however that may look. Know that you’ll always have a space where you can be heard without judgment in our sessions.
A language that feels safe
I speak Spanish and welcome the opportunity to support Spanish-speaking individuals and individuals from Spanish-speaking households. Si están pasando por un momento difícil, está bien buscar apoyo. Estoy aquí para ayudarte de cualquier manera que pueda.
fun facts
Outside of therapy, you can usually find me doing something creative or pursuing one of my favorite passions: aviation. I’m a private pilot and fly single-engine airplanes. Every flight can come with a little turbulence, unexpected changes, and moments that require you to trust yourself, so one of the things I love most about flying is that you learn to stay present, make adjustments, and keep moving forward. I try to bring that same mindset into my work with clients: life may not always go according to plan, but you don’t have to give up on where you’re going or where you want to be.
