Trainer

Mariel received a masters in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute outside Los Angeles in 1995 and am licensed as such in the state of Oregon. Marriage & Family Therapists are known as "systems thinkers", meaning are trained to consider the larger context surrounding personal issues and relational dynamics. As an LMFT Mariel trained and licensed to provide psychotherapy services to individuals as well couples and families.

    Mariel's graduate program and continuing studies reinforced her natural inclination toward integrative, systemic approaches that include thinking patterns, emotions; reactivity, biological systems, relationships to self and others, gender/cultural influences, and what might be called an "innate wisdom" that's inside everyone of us. The mid-90s were the beginning of an exciting time for brain research and the development of innovative psychotherapies, resulting in greater optimism for humans' ability to heal and thrive.

    Since the 90s, Mariel have been dedicated to learning a variety of "cutting edge" approaches with significant emphasis on the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy model and have been an IFS trainer and presenter for the last 10 years. Mariel also trained in EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, couples counseling, and various mindfulness and existential/humanistic perspectives. While Mariel's work with clients is ultimately tailored to a particular person's issues and readiness, these approaches are the ones Mariel knows best and believes hold great potential for addressing a wide range of presenting problems.

    Mariel grew up outside of Chicago and have lived in Portland since 1995. Her previous career in the music business was a successful one that ultimately drove her to seek greater satisfaction in life and a new career. Mariel had a wide range of personal experiences that give her great appreciation for working through deep pain and the rewards from having done so. Mariel consider herself a genuinely contented person, grateful to walk alongside others finding their way.