- CBT
- DBT skills
- Client-centered
About Marianne
Marianne Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Arizona with 28 years of experience. She works with adults on stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, anger, and related life changes. Marianne also supports people facing grief, parenting strain, identity questions, and workplace pressures.
She uses a direct, down-to-earth style in sessions. Conversations focus on practical steps, clearer thinking, and stronger communication. Marianne draws on client-centered methods to listen and understand what matters most to each person.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is part of her approach when thoughts and behavior patterns keep someone stuck. With CBT she helps people spot unhelpful thinking, test it, and try different behaviors to reduce anger, panic, or low mood.
She also works with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills for handling intense emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness. These skills are used to manage overwhelming feelings and to practice steadier responses in tense moments.
Over nearly three decades she has sat with people after trauma, through major life decisions, and during role changes such as caregiving or separation. Marianne emphasizes realistic steps people can take between sessions to build confidence and reduce reactivity.
Her manner is straightforward and nonjudgmental. Sessions address communication problems, money stress, gender and LGBT issues, and a range of mood and anxiety concerns. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding each person's priorities. In practice this means the therapist follows the client's lead, reflects what she hears, and helps clarify goals for reducing anger, stress, or sadness.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors. Online CBT sessions often include simple exercises, thought records, and short behavioral experiments to try between meetings to reduce reactivity and worry.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches specific skills for tolerating strong emotions and improving communication. These skills can be practiced in session and then used in everyday situations to respond differently when tension rises.
Deciding which approach to use is collaborative. Marianne will work with each person to choose methods that fit their needs, goals, and preferences rather than imposing a single plan. She checks in and adjusts the focus as progress is made.
Confirm the available session formats before booking. Many people find online sessions make it easier to fit meetings into workdays, reduce travel time, and keep consistent appointment rhythms. Others prefer different arrangements for shorter check-ins or to avoid being on camera; check the current options so you can pick what fits your life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
28+ years
Listed in
Arizona
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and anger issues, along with grief, parenting strain, and identity concerns.
What is her approach in sessions?
Her style is direct and client-centered, focusing on practical steps, clearer thinking, and better communication.
How much experience does she have?
She has 28 years of experience working with clients through trauma, life changes, and mood and anxiety concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Arizona.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She is not accepting international clients at this time.
What formats are used for sessions?
Please confirm current session options before booking so you know which formats are available.
How does payment and scheduling work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time; start by completing the short matching questionnaire to schedule a first session.