Marlena Gordon, LMSW
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Message from Marlena
Hi there, brave one! Congratulations on taking the courageous first step towards greater self-love, understanding and overall wellbeing. I’m Marlena, a genuinely kind, warm & highly empathetic therapist dedicated to providing a supportive space within which we work together to cultivate connection, develop profound insights, transmute negative thoughts, bolster self-love & heal trauma. My conversational, authentic, & nurturing style fosters a deep therapeutic bond that serves as the springboard from which we co-create your positive evolution. Drawing from an expansive toolkit, I also integrate various modalities into my practice to tackle issues such as anxiety & depression stemming from past trauma, relationship challenges, low self-esteem, family dynamics, work-life balance, imposter syndrome, & social conflicts. Through varying combinations of Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Body-Focused Therapy (e.g. EFT tapping), Attachment Theory, Parts/Shadow Work, mindfulness, meditation, visualization, gratitude practices, interpersonal/communication skills, spirituality, & or neuroscience; I help you unlock your own magic, power, & healing potential. If this & other information laid out in the Q&A resonates with you, book your free consult today and we'll get started. Good news: I now accept United, Aetna, BCBS, and Cigna in-network.
About Marlena's practice
Weekdays 9am - 5pm
$$
Sliding scale
Directive
Reflective
Body-based
In-person available: No
Virtual available: Yes
Social Life
Women's Obstacles
Anxiety
Romantic Life
Intimacy
Depression
Self-Esteem
Dating
Optum
Evernorth Behavioral Health
UMR
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Anthem
Aetna
United / Oxford
Cigna
Blue Cross Blue Shield BCBS
NY
Why state matters
Get to Know Marlena
How participatory are you during sessions?
Though I understand the value of a "blank-slate" type of therapist, my style is almost entirely the opposite. I prioritize the creation of deep, genuine connections with my clients, as I believe it to be the bedrock of true healing, and feel that it is only achievable through real conversation and dynamic exchange. Just as I encourage individuals to let their true selves shine, I too allow my authentic personality to radiate through in hopes that it elicits feelings of comfort, openness and vulnerability from them as well. My clients appreciate this gentle forthcomingness about themes and insights I observe, as well as ideas for a path forward, as it allows us to co-create their healing journey together in a way that feels balanced and supportive. Once our bond is established, together we can start to restore them to their truest, freest and most joyful essence.
Are there any philosophies or values that inform your work that I should know about?
So so many! But in a nutshell: (1) There is always some semblance of sacredness in suffering, for out of it can spring forth the most profound lessons and spectacular uprising, (2) an enhanced sense of balance, vulnerability, self-love, and self-compassion are the most fundamental avenues through which such optimal healing and wellbeing occurs, and (3) I believe in utilizing an abundance of kindness and nurture above all else to promote it.
What is the best part of the work for you?
I feel a sense of amazement and honor in bearing witness to a person’s gradual “coming home” to their truest selves throughout the course of therapy. When trauma strikes, feelings of insecurity, negative beliefs and behaviors are often scattered in its wake, like colossal boulders that obstruct one’s connection to their most authentic and capable selves. Together, we embark on the process of dismantling these barriers that hinder self-discovery, which helps clients not only reconnect with who they once were, but perhaps even up-level to even higher heights and planes of existence. Once they are unleashed from the rubble, I find immense fulfillment in watching this ascent towards even greater self-love and empowerment.
How much do you share about yourself during our time together and why?
In the pursuit cultivating genuine therapeutic connections, I steadfastly believe in offering glimpses of my true self, even so far as to share glimmers of wisdom from my own life experience and healing journey on occasion. If I sense that it may be of benefit, I sometimes draw from my own reservoir of tools, strategies, insights and lessons learned, in hopes that it (1) conveys my level of understanding and empathy, as well as (2) instills a greater sense of hope and belonging in my clients. However, I approach each individual with utmost respect for their unique preferences, thus, the extent to which I openly disclose such details is guided by their lead, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for all.