- Addictions and recovery
- Family of origin patterns
- CBT and ACT methods
About Marilyn
Marilyn Bryan DeBernardo is a New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 25 years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship struggles, grief, depression, family concerns, trauma and abuse, and related issues such as parenting, anger, and self-esteem. She also addresses bipolar symptoms, ADHD, eating concerns, and challenges that come with life changes.
Marilyn draws on several evidence-based approaches to guide sessions. She uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people clarify values and take practical steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are used to identify unhelpful thoughts and build coping skills. She also uses Client-Centered Therapy and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) to support emotional processing and stronger emotional connections.
Her background includes long-term work in the Capital Region with adults affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions. This has involved helping people and their loved ones navigate addictions, codependency, and recovery-related stress. Marilyn has experience connecting clients to community resources when additional supports are useful.
In sessions she aims for clear, practical conversation about what is happening now and what can change. She listens for patterns that began in the family of origin and helps people recognize how those patterns affect present choices and relationships. Work often focuses on small, achievable changes and building skills to handle daily stressors.
People who reach out can expect straightforward collaboration about goals, tools to manage symptoms, and referrals when extra services are needed.
Therapeutic approaches and online sessions
Marilyn frequently draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people name what matters to them and take concrete actions that fit those values. ACT is often used when someone feels stuck by worry or avoidance and wants practical steps to move forward. She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to spot unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with clearer, more workable ways of thinking. CBT is helpful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Marilyn will discuss goals and test methods together so a plan fits the client's needs and preferences. That collaboration helps decide which techniques to use, how quickly to move, and which skills to practice between sessions.
The original biography does not specify exact online formats. Confirm current session options before booking so you know whether video, phone, or other formats are offered. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Licensed professionals and therapists use these formats to keep continuity of care and to adapt exercises and homework to your daily life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she address?
She works with adults on stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, grief, depression, family concerns, trauma and related issues like parenting and self-esteem.
What is her therapeutic style?
She uses practical, skills-focused approaches such as ACT, CBT and DBT combined with client-centered conversation to process emotions and set concrete goals.
How much experience does she have?
She has 25 years of experience working with adults, including long-term practice in the Capital Region focused on substance use and co-occurring mental health issues.
What are her credentials and location?
She is a New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in New York.
Which languages are offered?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list session formats. Confirm current session options before booking.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.