Meet Mariel

How It All Started

I've wanted to be a therapist since high school because human behavior is super fascinating. Being able to create space for others to experience their raw emotions and help them through their suffering is so powerful.

Then life happened and after 10 years working for other people and companies, I realized I was nowhere near my lifelong goal of owning my private practice. I struggled with severe Imposter Syndrome and crappy boundaries so working a 9-5 was waaay safer!

Then chronic illness left me devastated. It gradually forced me to decrease my work hours over time. I desperately held on as long as I could, mostly out of pride. Chronic illness ironically forced me to pursue my lifelong dream. Now my mission is to help people reach their full potential and improve their quality of life.

Too Legit

I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) from Cal State Long Beach then a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in Direct Practice from San Diego State University. After completing a gazillion post-graduate hours and passing two exams, I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 2015. Now I am licensed in Nevada and California.

I have had the privilege of working in various medical and mental health settings since 2011 with different populations. I am trained as a Level 2 AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) Therapist and continue my journey towards certification.

What is an LCSW?

LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Basically they're social workers who can do psychotherapy. Unlike other types of psychotherapists, LCSWs are trained to look at the “whole picture” through the Person-in-Environment (PIE) Theory. I examine client’s environmental factors such as the current social & political climates, systems, family dynamics, socioeconomic status, gender roles, gender identities, acculturation, race and culture. And yes, of course I highly value social justice! One more thing: I enjoy working with individuals from the LGBTQIA+ communities.

Meet the team

  • HUMAN RESOURCES

    Strengths:

    Impeccable penmanship

    Weakness(es):
    Excessive barking at everyone

  • QUALITY ASSURANCE

    Strengths:

    100lb Lapdog & Attention to detail

    Weakness(es):
    Assertiveness & Barking at chihuahuas