Since Marilyn completed her Master of Science in Counselor Education at Illinois State University, she has supported her clients’ growth in a variety of settings. She brings a wealth of healing experience through her work in both outpatient practice and inpatient mental health treatment programs, as well as hospice bereavement, emergency department crisis management, and residential and addiction treatment settings. Marilyn is considered a specialist in working with women, older teens, emerging adults, older adults, couples, families, and groups of varying multicultural backgrounds.

Marilyn believes that counseling is a process through which people can create a personal toolbox to solve problems and improve their quality of life. She focuses her treatment process on educating her clients and equipping them with personalized tools to foster their individual healing and growth. Marilyn uses research and evidence based therapeutic modalities to support her clients in acquiring strategies that allow them to face the blocks which are inhibiting their growth. She promotes her clients’ healing process using: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic/client-centered approach, Psychodynamic, Mindfulness-based, and Trauma Focused approaches.

With over 25 years of experience, Marilyn has attained a perceptive sense of clinical assessment, a seasoned listening skill, and an offering of observant while innovative approaches to a wide variety of client issues. She is adept at creating a safe and trusting environment for her clients, allowing them to become vulnerable and share their struggles without fear of judgement. Her skills in facilitating confidence and hope in the therapy process permit clients to accept the changes recommended for their mental and emotional well-being.

Through Marilyn’s skills in interfacing with multidisciplinary treatment teams, she has gained significant trust and respect within the community of mental health professionals. She has worked alongside psychiatrists, school personnel, case managers and physicians which allow her to coordinate the best treatment of care for her clients’ mental, emotional, and physical health.

Marilyn’s clients share that they appreciate her warmth, sense of humor, accepting presence, and creativity. She brings a diversity of treatment experience, helping clients who are survivors of narcissistic abuse, anxiety, depression, coping with chronic illness, loss/grief, family dynamics, trauma, addictions, and sexuality. Throughout her years of practice, she has developed a loyal following of clients whose trust in, and benefit from, her work encourages them to recommend Marilyn to friends and family. Thank you for taking time to consider Marilyn as a part of your journey of growth. She looks forward to working with you and being a champion of your mental health!

When she isn’t working with clients, Marilyn enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as gardening, walking, hiking, and reading.