Hi, I'm Marla
Do you feel alone in your relationship? Are your arguments on repeat? Maybe you find yourself in a place that’s “just fine,” but resentment builds with each misunderstanding. If you feel stuck in a bad cycle and don't know how to get out of it, I want you to know you don't have to stay stuck, I can help.
As a relationship specialist, helping couples repair their connection is my passion. I'd love to help you enjoy your partner again.
The way out is through deeper connection with your partner. I can safely guide you to a deeper understanding than maybe you ever thought possible. A connection in which your partner knows you on a whole new level.
I help couples collaborate to focus on solutions and re-ignite passion in their relationship. Every connection is unique and complex; I’m here to support and guide you as you learn to truly understand each other. As a skilled relationship therapist, I provide a safe space to identify, explore, and understand emotions to effect real change, and lead a healthier more fulfilling life. I'd love to help you come out the other side with a stronger, more committed partnership.
What types of things do couples discuss in therapy?
Couples Counseling
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Communication breakdowns
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Conflict and anger
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Feeling criticized
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Disconnection and feeling alone in the relationships
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Partners being more like roommates than lovers
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Lack of intimacy
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Infidelity and betrayal
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Broken trust
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Considering separation or divorce
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Premarital counseling
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Proactive relational maintenance and enhanced connection
Frequently Asked Questions:
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"What if my partner won't come to therapy?"
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"What if we do counseling but it still ends in separation or divorce?"
How therapy works
Relationships are at the core of human experience. How we each function in our intimate, family, and friendship relationships is essential to our mental health and physical health. We thrive when we feel safe and loved, but we often have had damaging experiences in relationships that have wounded our ability to safely connect when a relationship is in conflict. As soon as something happens to disconnect us to others - a misunderstanding, disagreement or fight, hurtful words or actions, or betrayal - it can become difficult to reconnect with those we love or know how to repair the relationship.
We often spend years in a relational standoff, trying to connect but feeling too unappreciated, emotionally injured, or threatened by accusations to be successful.
My approach to meeting with clients has been deeply influenced by the work of Sue Johnson with Emotionally Focused Therapy, a highly researched and validated, evidence-based model. We'll work together to help you and your partner repair your ability to trust each other again and feel deeply connected.
Marla's Qualifications
Professional Affiliations
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National Association of Social Workers
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International Centre for Emotionally Focused Therapy
Credentials
B.A. in Sociology, 2003
M.S.W. in Social Work, 2014
20+ Years of Therapeutic Experience
Licensed Social Worker (LCSW), states of Colorado, Texas, Utah, Arkansas, and Florida
Nationally Licensed Social Worker, ASWB
Emotionally Focused Therapy Trained (Core Skills, EFIT)
Association of Social Work Board Certified
Emotionally Focused Relationship Therapy
Licensed Social Worker in Colorado
Licensed Social Worker in Texas
Licensed Social Worker in Utah
Licensed Social Workeror in Florida
More About Marla
I grew up outside of Chicago and have lived many places that have let me be active in life and sports outdoors (Florida, Utah, Arkansas, and counting). I’ve loved having the unique opportunity to do therapeutic work in many settings, having started out as a forensic interviewer working with victims of crime, and then working with end-of-life patients and their families in hospice.
Since completing my masters degree I've now spent many years focusing on working with couples and specializing in relationship health.
My husband and I love travel, adventure, and (as noted above), the outdoors. We lived for a year on a sailboat - I can tell you the level of planning and organization required in such a small space with our two young kiddos is intense! When not actively meeting with clients or on mom-duty, I love being active outdoors all year-round. You can find me mountain biking, hiking, and skiing.
