
lumenate

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
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Parenting at any stage
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The transition into motherhood
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Empty nest and family transitions
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Burnout, stress, and depletion
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Major life changes & unexpected transitions
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Overwhelm, self-doubt, and low self-worth
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Relationship challenges and communication breakdowns
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Support for teens and young adults
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Perfectionism, people-pleasing, self-criticism
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LGBTQ+ identity, relationships, and life experiences
Approaches
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Expressive Arts Therapy
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Parts Work
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Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
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Relational Life Therapy (RLT)
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Family Systems Theory
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Developmental Approaches
Education & Licensure
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Bachelors of Science in Psychology from University of San Francisco
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Masters of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Expressive Arts and Marriage and Family Therapy from California Institute of Integral Studies
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CA BBS Registration as a Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

