Marilyn Bryan DeBernardo

Compassionate, experienced counselor for complex life challenges

LMHC New York

Experience: 25 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Marilyn

Marilyn Bryan DeBernardo is a New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 25 years of clinical experience helping people navigate anxiety, addiction, grief, relationship struggles, mood concerns, and life transitions.

Background and approach

She works with adults who are facing issues such as stress, depression, trauma, eating concerns, ADHD, bipolar mood challenges, and the many practical and emotional strains that come with caregiving, blended families, and major life changes.

Her approach draws on evidence-informed methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT). Marilyn aims to build a collaborative therapeutic relationship that helps clients clarify values, develop practical skills for managing emotions and behaviors, and address patterns that interfere with wellbeing.

Based in New York, she accepts international clients and offers flexible online formats to accommodate varied schedules and needs.

Evidence-Informed Approaches Delivered Online

Marilyn uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients notice and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which can be effective for anxiety, depression, and many stress-related problems. She also integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which supports clients in clarifying values and developing willingness to experience difficult feelings while taking meaningful action. Both approaches emphasize practical skills and real-life application to daily challenges.

Finding the right fit is part of the therapeutic process, and Marilyn approaches treatment collaboratively. She will work with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences and recommend or combine techniques from CBT, ACT, DBT, or client-centered methods as appropriate. The plan evolves based on what is working and the client’s priorities.

Online therapy with Marilyn is offered through flexible formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to arrange appointments around work, family, and travel, and they allow clients to continue care even when circumstances change. Licensed professionals can deliver structured, skills-based work through these formats to support coping, behavior change, and emotional regulation.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Marilyn commonly address?

She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, grief, depression, trauma and abuse, intimacy challenges, eating concerns, parenting and career stressors.

What therapeutic style can I expect in sessions?

Marilyn combines client-centered listening with practical, skills-based techniques drawn from approaches such as CBT, ACT, DBT, and EFT to help clients identify goals and try new coping strategies.

How much experience does she bring?

She has 25 years of experience working with adults and families on addictions, mental health disorders, codependency, grief, and trauma in the New York area.

What credentials and location are listed for Marilyn?

She is a New York LMHC with the license number NY LMHC 002250-1 and practices from New York.

Are sessions offered in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are offered in English, and she accepts international clients.

Which session formats are available for online work?

Clients can connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference and availability.

How is cost handled for therapy with her?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin working together?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety AddictionsRelationship issuesGrief Depression

Also works with

Family conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes ADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shame ImpulsivityInfidelityJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSex addictionSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Motivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

25+ years

Licensed

New York

Languages

English