Marina Meza, MA, Lmft, Aamft Approved Supervisor

Hi, and thank you for considering me for your mental health journey!

My name is Marina, and I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and families navigating behavioral challenges, relational stress, and difficulties with emotional regulation. I view behavioral concerns not as isolated problems, but as meaningful signals within a child’s developmental and family context. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and focused on strengthening both the child’s skills and the family system that supports them.

I am currently pursuing my PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in Education and Supervision, and I serve as an Affiliate Professor at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, where I supervise their clinical experience during their student internship and train future therapists. My clinical and academic work are grounded in helping families feel empowered, understood, and equipped with tools for meaningful growth!

My goal is to create a supportive, engaging space where children and families can build resilience, strengthen relationships, and move toward positive, sustainable change! 🌱✨

My approach to therapy is collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to each child and family's unique needs. I use evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to help children build emotional awareness, develop coping skills, and make better behavioral choices.

I view caregivers as essential partners in the therapeutic process and work to create practical strategies that support lasting change at home. I seek to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and help you respond to behavioral challenges with confidence and consistency!

My goal is to provide a supportive, engaging environment where children and families feel understood, empowered, and capable of meaningful growth.

You can expect the first session to be a welcoming, supportive space focused on getting to know you and understanding your concerns, goals, and strengths. I will ask questions about what brings you to therapy, your child’s behavioral and emotional functioning, family dynamics, and what you hope will be different as a result of treatment. For younger clients, I help them feel comfortable and safe by incorporating puppets, books, games, drawing, coloring, and mindfulness activities, among others!

We will also be able to discuss your therapy goals and begin identifying practical steps forward. Parents and caregivers will have space to share their perspectives and ask questions, as collaboration is an essential part of the process. By the end of the first session, you can expect to have a clearer understanding of how I work and how therapy can help, along with a plan for next steps. My goal is for you and your child to leave feeling heard, supported, and hopeful about the path forward!