MARLENE VALENCIA

MA, LPC, Psychotherapist

Pronouns: They/Them/Él

Hi there, my name is Mars, and I identify as a compassionate witness, teacher, and future ancestor, emphasizing interdependence, authenticity, and radical acceptance.

Mars comes from a cultural background rooted in being Mexican and identifying as Autistic, and queer. Mars understands healing as an ongoing process rather than a destination, guided initially by community and ancestral medicine before traditional forms of therapy.

Mars has a specialization in developmental trauma and recognizes the value of client feedback in therapy, aiming to avoid upholding systems of harm. Clinical experience includes work with various issues such as developmental trauma, C-PTSD, Autism, anxiety, and others. Therapeutic modalities utilized by Mars include Cultural-Relational therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Feminist Theory, Anti Racism, Internal Family Systems, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, all framed within a trauma-informed practice.

Mars is connected to communities focused on trauma recovery, disability, grieving, and redefining healthy relationships. The approach taken encourages individuals to navigate their healing against societal pressures to suppress pain while promoting self-acceptance and communal support. Mars expresses a desire to be part of clients' communities, inviting them to co-create a nurturing therapeutic relationship.

Contact me to get started.

• Text: 708.658.4864

• Email: marlene@agavechicago.com