Mariska is a compassionate and thoughtful therapist who is passionate about helping individuals and couples navigate the effects of trauma, loss, and life’s many challenges. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Certification in Trauma Counseling from Antioch University New England. She is also a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP) and is currently training to become a Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP).

Before becoming a therapist, Mariska spent 25 years as an educator, musician, director, and curriculum developer. Her work in Southern California included supporting K–12 students, women’s choirs, and the LA and Long Beach opera houses. She earned her Bachelor of Music from the Hartt Conservatory and also completed graduate work at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her background in music, education, and the arts continues to shape the creativity, curiosity, and compassion she brings to her clinical work.

Mariska creates a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment where clients can explore their experiences with honesty, humor, and self-compassion. She believes that healing looks different for everyone and works collaboratively with clients to identify what meaningful change looks like for them, whether that means building closer relationships, strengthening boundaries, finding greater motivation, improving sleep, managing pain, or feeling more present in everyday life.

Mariska works with adults and couples who may be navigating trauma, grief and loss, relationship challenges, sexuality, identity exploration, anxiety, and life transitions. She has a particular interest in supporting individuals impacted by trauma and loss, exploring sexuality and sexual well-being, and providing affirming care to LGBTQIA+ clients. She is also passionate about group therapy and enjoys creating spaces where individuals can experience connection and support alongside others with shared experiences.

In her clinical work, Mariska draws from existential, DBT-informed, trauma-informed, and mindfulness-based approaches, with an emphasis on self-compassion and creating a life worth living. She incorporates neuroscience and trauma research alongside humor, mindfulness, and creative techniques. When appropriate, she may also incorporate expressive arts and innovative approaches such as driving-anxiety therapy to help clients engage with treatment in ways that feel meaningful and accessible.

Mariska believes that healing is not about becoming someone different, but about developing a deeper understanding and acceptance of who you are and what you have experienced. Her goal is to help clients build greater self-compassion, strengthen relationships, develop healthier boundaries, and create a life that feels more connected, authentic, and fulfilling.

Outside of the therapy room, Mariska enjoys woodworking, growing succulents, and spending time with the people and activities that bring her joy. During virtual sessions, clients may also meet Sigmund and Suzie Q, her cats who are known to make occasional appearances and purr their way into the camera.