Dr. Mareena Atalla

I’m not the “sit silently and nod” kind of therapist. I’m authentic, engaged, and genuinely interested in who you are, not just your symptoms, and I feel honored to sit with people as they sort through the complicated parts of being alive. As a first‐generation Egyptian‐American (and a fellow neurodivergent person), I carry a deep appreciation for how culture, identity, family, and neurodivergence shape our inner and outer world.

I’ve worked with kids, teens, young adults, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, parenting stress, and major life transitions like divorce or loss. I see each person as a complex, unique human, and I want therapy to feel like a place where you can show up as you are and collaborate in finding what works for you. I aim to create a space where you feel safe enough to explore your story, supported enough to grow, and empowered enough to build a life that feels true to you.

Whether you are new to therapy or are looking for a different provider, this step can often be the hardest for a lot of people, and I’m proud of you! Thank you for being here. It would be an honor to walk alongside you in your journey of life.

I am warm, authentic, collaborative, and practical. I see you as a whole person and incorporate your values, relationships, routines, identity, culture, health, community, and anything else that is important in your life. I approach our work with cultural humility and a neurodivergent‐affirming mindset, honoring your lived experiences and the way your brain works.

My goal is to help you understand yourself more deeply, feel more compassion toward your reactions, and build tools that support the life you want to live. A big part of our work will be helping you understand how your brain works, building insight into your experiences and patterns, and recognizing your strengths. From there, we’ll learn and practice new tools that gradually become part of your everyday life that help you feel confident, capable, and connected to your values, even when life gets messy.

If you’re specifically navigating ADHD and/or autism for yourself or your child, we will learn about how neurodivergent brains work and build strategies that support you rather than fight against you. My goal is that you leave with a better understanding of yourself and your needs, stronger self-compassion, and tools and habits that help you live your life.

Above all, I want therapy to feel like a space where we learn, get curious together, try things out, stay flexible, and build a life that supports who you are and who you want to be.

In our first session, we will get to know each other and you’ll have the opportunity to share your story and what you hope to achieve in therapy. We’ll work together to figure out what supports would be the most helpful. I enter our therapy space with authenticity and warmth, always aiming to make sure you feel comfortable and safe to explore your story and goals. We will work together to create a plan that fits your goals, and we will continuously revisit this plan, check in on progress, and adapt as needed.