Marlena Coelho-Sousae

Hello! Don't worry about pronouncing my last name, I can barely pronounce it myself. I am a licensed professional clinical counselor with an emphasis in couples and families. I'm born and raised in California, and have experience helping a wide range of clients from all different backgrounds.

How I Can Help & What to Expect

I specialize in helping individuals navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, life transitions, and emotional dysregulation. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by stress, struggling with negative thought patterns, or healing from past experiences, I provide a safe, supportive space to explore and grow.

A typical treatment plan is personalized to your needs and may include, but is not limited to:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to build resilience and live more fully.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotion regulation and coping strategies.
• Attachment-Based Therapy to explore relationship patterns and strengthen connections.
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma healing.
• Person-Centered Therapy to ensure you feel heard, understood, and supported.

Through our work together, you can expect to gain clarity, emotional balance, and confidence in managing life's challenges. My goal is to equip you with tools to foster self-awareness, improve relationships, and create lasting positive change. I truly believe that therapy is a collaborative process, and you are the expert in your own healing journey- I'm just there to assist with navigation.

I really look forward to meeting with you.

I offer a compassionate and personalized approach to therapy, integrating evidence-based modalities to support your healing and growth. My Person-Centered approach ensures you feel heard, valued, and empowered in your journey.

In our sessions, you can expect a safe, nonjudgmental, and trauma-informed space where your experiences are met with compassion, respect, and evidence-based care. I tailor each session to your unique needs using various integrative approaches to help you process trauma, regulate emotions, and develop healthy coping strategies.

Whether you're working through acute or prolonged trauma, such as sexual assault, domestic violence, or complex interpersonal trauma, we will move at a pace that feels right for you. Sessions focus on building resilience, restoring a sense of safety, and empowering you to reclaim your life. My goal is to help you gain insight, develop practical tools, and foster lasting healing.

You are not alone—together, we can navigate your path toward growth and recovery.