Marlene Pena

As a first-generation Mexican-American therapist and clinical social worker, I believe that the identities I hold as well as my professional and community-oriented experiences have influenced the way I approach therapy. I have seen firsthand how our emotional wellbeing is greatly influenced by the relationships, culture, communities, and larger systems that surround us. Throughout my clinical practice, I've had the honor of working with clients from diverse racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, particularly those that identify as BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+, in a variety of settings, including nonprofit, inpatient, and a university counseling center.

My experience spans across the lifespan, working with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating the complexities of life transitions, generational family patterns, estranged or strained relationships, chronic stress/burnout, and trauma. I specialize in supporting adolescents and adults who are navigating first and second-generation experiences, identity development, family and cultural expectations, relational and intergenerational wounds, life transitions, and anxiety/OCD. I also work well with college students seeking support around adjustment-related concerns, interpersonal issues, identity exploration, self-esteem concerns, perfectionism, and uncertainty about the post-grad transition.

I utilize a client-centered, strength-based, and relational approach in my clinical work because I firmly believe that trust, authentic expression, and safety are essential for supporting clients in their process towards meaningful change and growth. I draw from attachment theory, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I also have training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

My approach is warm, compassionate, relational, and culturally affirming. I work with clients to deepen their attunement to their emotions and needs, disrupt patterns that no longer serve them, and cultivate greater self-compassion to navigate life’s complexities with greater clarity, connection, and ease.