About Marlena

I have an authentic and empathic nature, and I focus on trust, curiosity, and acceptance, to ensure you feel safe, secure, and seen throughout our time together. I believe by cultivating self-compassion, healing and growth can occur with the combination of a positive, emotionally attuned relationship and an understanding of what is happening in the brain,body and mind, we are able to allow our vulnerabilities to surface and create opportunities for sustainable change.

As a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists, I have over 9 years of experience in mental health. I am honored and privileged to build and develop a therapeutic relationship with you, based on trust, safety, and connection. I believe this is essential for supporting you in your journey of healing, as you navigate the complexities of this world.

I use a brain-based and relational approach to therapy. I realize that our brain patterns are shaped by our relationships, and they can cause us to experience tribulation and shame. I want to help you individually, or you and your partner relationally, to develop secure and satisfying connections by strengthening emotional accessibility, responsiveness, and engagement. I believe that this can help relationships heal and grow together. By fostering a positive and empathic relationship, as well as an understanding of how your brain works, I  have confidence that this can help you heal and grow, individually and relationally.

I am passionate about meeting you where you are at and joining you as you work towards growth, healing, and change, both individually and relationally. I feel deeply honoured to do this work collaboratively with you. I have an authentic and empathic nature, I focus on trust, curiosity, and acceptance, to ensure you feel safe, secure, and seen throughout our time together. I believe by cultivating self-compassion, healing and growth can occur with the combination of a positive, emotionally attuned relationship and an understanding of what is happening in the brain, body and mind. When we are able to allow our vulnerabilities to surface and create opportunities for sustainable change, healing and reconnection to yourself and others can take place.

My areas of specialization include children, adolescents, couples and families with a range of concerns such as stress, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, self-esteem, body dysmorphia, body image, grief/loss, chronic illnesses and trauma. I value working with both individuals struggling with trauma/eating disorders and their supporters such as parents, partners, and friends. As an LGBTQIA+ Ally, I work with individuals and their families as they begin to show up in the world in an authentic and empowered way. 

I use various modalities to support you, including Attachment Theory, Trauma-Informed Practice, EMDR, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Interpersonal neurobiology, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-based practices, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT). I tailor my approach to suit your unique needs and preferences. My areas of specialization include children, adolescents, couples, and families with a range of presenting concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief/loss, chronic illnesses, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and trauma. I value working with both individuals, as well as relationally with parents, partners and friends when working with trauma and eating disorders. As 2SLGBTQIA+ Ally, I work with individuals, couples, and their families as they begin to show up in the work in an authentic, empowered, and neurodivergent affirming way.

When I’m not practicing psychology, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and traveling the world.