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Marilyn Hymes, MA

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

Accepting new clients

Available: Mondays & Fridays | Day & Evening Appointments

Supervised by Kelly Sumner LMFT 

Meet Marilyn

Marilyn brings a grounded, intuitive presence to her work—one that meets clients exactly where they are. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, narrative practices, and a relational framework that honors the whole person—emotionally, cognitively, and somatically. Marilyn weaves evidence-based practices together with deep compassionate presence, creating a space where healing feels both safe and possible. 
 

She often integrate expressive arts as accessible pathways to self-exploration, helping clients externalize their emotions, reflect on their experiences, and find meaning in their stories. No artistic skill is required—the focus is on authentic expression and the insight it can bring. She is committed to accessible care and holds a profound belief that every person carries innate wisdom and an extraordinary capacity to heal, grow, and thrive.

Marilyn has a special passion for working with moms. She understands firsthand the enormity of what motherhood asks of a person — the seismic shifts in identity, the changes to one's body, and the quiet losses and unexpected gifts that come with it. She walks alongside mothers with empowering support and boundless love, helping them reconnect with themselves, reclaim their sense of self, and find solid ground in the beautiful, overwhelming journey of raising humans.

Outside of the therapy room, Marilyn has been married for 20 years and is the proud mother of one high schooler and young adult— plus a beloved household that includes two cats and two dogs. She recharges by hiking and immersing herself in nature. And if she were a season? Undoubtedly spring — alive with renewal, creativity, and the quiet promise of what's possible

Areas of Focus

  • Parenting at any stage 

  • The transition into motherhood 

  • Empty nest and family transitions 

  • Burnout, stress, and depletion 

  • Major life changes & unexpected transitions 

  • Overwhelm, self-doubt, and low self-worth 

  • Relationship challenges and communication breakdowns 

  • Support for teens and young adults 

  • Perfectionism, people-pleasing, self-criticism 

  • LGBTQ+ identity, relationships, and life experiences 

Approaches

  • Expressive Arts Therapy 

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Parts Work 

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) 

  • Relational Life Therapy (RLT) 

  • Family Systems Theory 

  • Developmental Approaches 

Education & Licensure

  • Bachelors of Science in Psychology from University of San Francisco

  • Masters of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Expressive Arts and Marriage and Family Therapy from California Institute of Integral Studies

  • CA BBS Registration as a Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

Embrace Your Journey

Finding the right therapist matters. If you feel drawn to Marilyn’s approach or would like to learn more, we welcome you to schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation to explore your needs, ask questions, and see whether it feels like a good fit.

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