Marlena Welsher

Marlena is a Mental Health Counseling intern who believes healing happens through safe, authentic relationships. She is currently completing her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at the University at Albany and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Siena College. Her work is grounded in nearly three years of experience in community-based services, during which she supported children, adolescents, and families through advocacy, social connection, and strengths-based care. At the heart of Marlena’s work is a deep belief in meeting people exactly where they are. She strives to create a therapeutic space where clients feel genuinely heard, emotionally safe, and respected, while also being gently challenged to grow in ways that feel meaningful and sustainable. Marlena understands that change does not come from pressure or judgment, but from compassion, insight, and trust built over time. Her approach is integrative and person-centered, drawing from psychodynamic perspectives, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and cognitive-behavioral strategies. She believes that early life experiences shape how we relate to ourselves and others, and she values insight and radical acceptance as a foundation for healing. At the same time, she incorporates practical tools to help clients recognize unhelpful thought patterns, reduce emotional distress, and build skills for navigating daily life. Across all work, Marlena practices unconditional positive regard and maintains a trauma-informed lens. Marlena is especially passionate about empowering clients and reducing feelings of shame and guilt. She views therapy as a collaborative process in which clients are honored as experts in their own experiences. Her values of authenticity, empathy, kindness, social justice, and inclusivity guide every aspect of her work, and she is committed to fostering a space where clients feel supported in moving at a pace that feels right for them.