Sprouting Roots Mental Health Counseling

Meet Marina Pena, MHC-LP

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Stress, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed on a regular basis. While occasional struggles are a normal part of life, persistent negative thoughts, self-doubt, and depression do not have to be the norm. As a counselor, I find it fulfilling to help people build confidence in themselves, their decision-making abilities, and their capacity to shape their lives according to their wishes. Taking the initiative to seek help is an essential first step towards empowerment, security, and breaking old patterns that may no longer be beneficial.

I offer therapy sessions to individuals and couples through telehealth services, available to anyone residing in New York State, regardless of location. My experience ranges from working with teenagers to seniors. I encourage you to take the first step in working to build the life and future you desire. I am dedicated to meeting you where you are and collaborating with you to create a plan that will set you on the path towards achieving your goals.

Fun Fact:

I am passionate about different cultures and  love to travel. I have had the privilege of exploring many countries in South America, the Caribbean, North America, Asia, and Europe.

Marina’s Approach to working with clients:

My therapy style is all-encompassing and recognizes all the aspects that make you who you are, including your spirituality, culture, religion, interests, struggles, and traumas. To help you cope with your challenges, I use mindfulness-based psychosomatic therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), mindfulness based CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). I take a trauma-informed approach, aiming to uncover the underlying root of the problem over time, and hopefully help to identify new healthier ways of living.

Professional Education:

Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and wellness: New York University 

Bachelor of Science in Psychology counseling: Liberty University

Clinical Experience:

Marina started out her internship experience working with Sprouting Roots Counseling and has stayed on as a clinical staff with us. Marina has been able to work with a handful of her clients long term, helping them get to the root of their trauma. She works with clients throughout NYC, and New York State via telehealth therapy. 

At Sprouting Roots Counseling, Marina has gained experience in applying a holistic approach to working with clients. She has incorporated assessment, treatment planning, training, diagnosis, and treatment into her work with her caseload. Marina has been described by her clients as warm yet able to challenge when needed as well. Marina has gained experience in EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Somatic and Parts work techniques, Psychodynamic therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Being a practice specializing in trauma, often the focus is on getting to the root cause of the underlying symptoms versus just putting a band aid on the current situation. 

Prior to Sprouting Roots Counseling, Marina Pena worked with children and gained lots of experience in the social work system.

 Marina Pena continues to expand upon her counseling knowledge through ongoing training in the field and hopes to integrate more holistic practices into her work with clients. 

Languages Spoken:

Being an immigrant from Brazil, I can understand the distinct struggles clients from diverse backgrounds may face, while also honoring and appreciating their unique worldview. 

• English
• Portuguese
• Working knowledge of Spanish

Insurance:

I am currently In Network with Aetna and Cigna. If you have another health insurance plan- reach out to us and we can call your health insurance to verify health benefits.  In some cases, people have what is called Out of Network benefits- where your health insurance may reimburse you for a portion of the session fee, and in some cases reimburses completely.

The cost is $125 per session.

Regardless of coverage- the client is responsible for paying the entire session fee. Sprouting Roots Mental Health Counseling PC is not responsible for any denials on the insurance end. Even In Network Clients are responsible for any portion not covered under insurance. See our FAQs for more information or reach out to us with any specific questions you have. Health insurance can be very confusing, and we are here to help you navigate it. 

To set up an appointment with Marina, click on the link below. Here at Sprouting Roots Mental Health Counseling, we will conduct an initial intake, and then work to quickly get clients signed up and started with their assigned counselor. If you have questions first before setting up an appointment with Marina or any staff, you can reach out on our Contact Us page as well. We hope to be a part of your therapy journey and look forward to chatting soon. 

Make An Appointment!