Mariana supports kids (4+), teens, and adults, especially those who express feelings through behaviors and actions rather than words. Specialities:

• Child Experiences (anger/behavior management, sibling rivalry/dynamics, and friendship struggles)
• Teen and Young Adult Experiences (school anxieties, friendship struggles, self-esteem, and self-harm)
• Men’s Experiences (anger, irritability, role confusion, isolation, and self-worth)
• Play Therapy
• Anger Management
• Attachment/Codependency
• Depression
• Family Conflict
• Pattern Recognition
• Generational Trauma
• Relationship Challenges
• Self-Esteem/Self-Exploration/Identity Discovery
• Sexual Challenges/Experiences
• Spirituality

Mariana graduated from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) and went on to earn her Master of Science in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Walden University.

In her work with children, Mariana uses a child-centered play therapy lens to assist children in processing their experiences that they likely do not have the words for. Whether it's tantrums, meltdowns, anger outbursts, or constant conflict with others, these patterned behaviors are often external expressions of something deeper. Through children’s natural language of play, Mariana helps these little ones explore their emotions, learn to self-regulate, and ultimately build lasting tools for handling life’s ups and downs. Parents and children can be assured that Mariana goes the extra mile to provide creative and impactful interventions so each play therapy session is a connecting and learning experience.

Mariana also specializes in working with clients, especially men, who may have had less than ideal experiences with traditional therapy or are hesitant to start therapy at all. Through her welcoming and warm personality, Mariana supports men navigating identity, relationships, or the pressure to always “have it together.” Mariana understands that men have been affected by the negative messaging of our culture and finds purpose in helping facilitate healthier ways of being. Maybe you’ve been told to “calm down” or “get it together.” Maybe you feel stuck in patterns and disconnected from your own emotions. Often, what shows up on the outside such as frustration, withdrawal, or anger is the mind and body’s way of drawing your attention to what’s happening underneath.

By using a variety of therapy modalities such as insight-oriented talk therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), reality therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mariana helps clients better understand their feelings, break unhelpful patterns, and build the skills they need to live more connected and fulfilling lives.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or needing change, Mariana creates a space that is grounded, empathetic, and judgment-free. By tapping into her natural ability to create connection, inviting humor to be part of your journey, and allowing the creative process of healing to unfold, Mariana helps her clients feel understood and accepted, often in ways that go beyond words.