Meet Marilyn

I Empower Individuals to Embrace Their True Selves, Heal Holistically, and Flourish.

Marilyn Ashley, LMFT

Local Hermosa Beach
Therapist for Adults and Couples

Hi, I'm Marilyn!

I’m thrilled that you’re here! If you have found yourself here, know that seeking help and support is a courageous step towards healing. But you’re here because you’re ready to take that step and I’m so proud of you. You want to be the best version of yourself and I’m here to help you on that journey. I have had the honor of serving this community for over 10 years and I embrace the opportunity to continue to grow and enrich the South Bay with holistic therapy.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), my passion is to empower individuals to embrace their true selves, heal holistically, and flourish in all aspects of their lives. Through a compassionate and empathetic approach, I create a safe space for my clients to explore their inner world, process their emotions, and work toward growth and healing. Building a trusting and authentic relationship with my clients is my top priority, as I believe that a strong therapeutic alliance is essential for successful therapy.

I Know What it's Like to Wish You Could "Do It All Yourself" ...

I understand the desire to handle everything on your own. But sometimes life can throw us unexpected challenges that are too overwhelming to face alone. Doing it alone can lead us to disconnect not only from others but also from ourselves. You no longer sense how you really feel, what you need, or what truly matters to you. Your mind and body get out of sync and you may feel lost, stuck, or unfulfilled. You deserve to have someone on your side who can help guide you through those difficult times.

You Will Be Supported Every Step of the Way

It’s perfectly okay to reach out for help, to admit that maybe the burden you’re carrying is just too heavy to hold on your own. And you know what? There is immeasurable strength in that vulnerability. In our work together, we’ll navigate these burdens and begin to lighten the load. Your experiences, pains, and dreams are unique, and I’m here to listen and witness to every part of your story with an open and connected heart. We’ll collaborate to create a path made for you that embodies your authenticity. Healing is not a linear process, and it requires patience and self-compassion.

Peace and Happiness are Something You Deserve

These are not things you deserve because you have done something extraordinary. Although, I’m sure you have done many extraordinary things. You deserve peace and happiness simply because you are human, just like everyone else. My role is to help guide you back to those natural states of being. Together, we’ll work towards identifying your unique strengths and abilities, building new coping skills and tools, and fostering self-love and acceptance. I truly believe that each individual has the power to create meaningful change in their lives and I am honored to be a part of that journey.

“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become. 

– Carl Jung

Now, Let Me Share a Bit About Myself

I’m Marilyn! I am a holistic therapist, meaning I focus on the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. I believe in living authentically and nurturing our inner selves to live a fulfilling life. Often I use the very same techniques that I share with you to navigate life’s challenges. I am passionate about working with individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds, as each person brings their own unique experiences and wisdom to the table. In my sessions, I blend evidence-based therapies with somatic (body-based) practices to create a holistic approach that supports clients on their healing journey. Because healing is truly a beautiful   journey, not a  destination.

In our sessions, you will find more approaches than just talking about your feelings. We may implement mindfulness exercises, sound healing, breath work, or movement to help you connect with your body and release any emotional blocks. Ultimately, my goal is to empower you with the tools and techniques that resonate with you and help you heal from within. My approach is holistic and somatic, meaning we will work with the mind-body connection to facilitate deep  healing and  understanding.

Learn more about Marilyn

  • Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UCLA
  • Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy.
  • Licensed Holistic Therapist Certifications
  • Breathwork Facilitator
  • Meditation Facilitator
  • Mindfulness Informed Practitioner (MIP)
  • Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT-300)
  • Trauma Informed Care Therapist
  • Sound and Energy Healer
  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
  • Brainspotting, Level 1
  • 4 Month Polyvagal Theory, Nervous System, and Somatic Training
  • Master Level Reiki Practitioner
  • Somatic EMDR Practitioner (In Process)
  • Anxiety
  • High-Functioning Anxiety
  • Life Transitions
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
  • Relationship Issues
  • Stress Management
  • Mindfulness and Meditation
  • Want to live a more authentic and fulfilling life.
  • Are ready and willing to do the work to heal and grow.
  • Value a holistic approach that addresses mind, body, and spirit.
  • Are open to incorporating mindfulness practices into their daily routine.
  • Want to explore and process their past traumas in a safe and supportive environment.
  • Are looking for guidance in navigating life’s challenges and transitions.

Recently I had the honor of being featured in VoyageLa Magazine as a part of their “Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know” Series. Check it out below!

VoyageLA- Meet Marilyn Ashley

Schedule Consultation with Marilyn

My Approach to Therapy

I approach therapy holistically and somatically. When we work together, we’ll look at the whole picture – your mind and body. Each aspect of you holds a piece of the puzzle to understanding the root of your challenges and the path to healing. Integrating a somatic approach means we pay attention to your body’s physical sensations – these sensations are often whispers from your psyche, speaking truths about your experiences and emotions. While traditional talk therapy is beneficial and provides many tools for navigating negative thought patterns, it sometimes overlooks the profound interconnectedness of our experiences. By incorporating your body’s wisdom, we can uncover and address deeper underlying causes of your distress.

This holistic approach allows for a more comprehensive and effective healing process. I often use a combination of evidence-based treatments and body-based therapies. I embrace both the “top-down” approach and the “bottom-up” approach. This means we will work with your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors as well as your body’s sensations and responses. Your sessions may include a “top-down approach”, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), as well as “bottom-up” techniques like breathwork, yoga, mindfulness-based somatic therapies, and nervous system education.

Understanding the role of the nervous system in mental well-being is another important aspect of the holistic therapy I practice.

Polyvagal Theory involves connecting with our body’s signals through somatic awareness. This awareness is key in recognizing when we surpass our “window of tolerance,” a concept by Dr. Dan Siegel that indicates our body’s ability to handle stress. We will guide your nervous system back to this window, fostering resilience and flexibility. In my peaceful office, I will help you find your window of tolerance and use it as a guide to develop mindfulness practices that work for you. Approaching psychotherapy holistically, it goes beyond what basic talk therapy can offer. It gives you an opportunity for self-discovery and healing. Addressing the nervous system explores how you perceive yourself and the world. Allowing for balance and well-being to flow naturally. This helps to reshape your identity and relationships, enhancing cognitive, emotional, and regulatory processes.

Even Though This is Literally an "About Me" Page

It's not about me, it's all about   you.

The details about my qualifications are there to reassure you that I’m well-equipped to walk this path with you. The insights into my values? They’re there to help you feel certain that we share similar perspectives on this incredibly personal journey of healing. And my history? It’s there to help you gauge if my experiences resonate with your own. But now, let’s set aside what you’ve learned about me and turn the focus inward. Take a moment for a “check in”… pause, maybe place your hand over your heart – big deep breath in…listen, and trust your intuition. Do you feel a connection? Do my words speak to your own experiences, validating your struggles and aspirations?

If you’re resonating with what you’re reading, maybe emotions are surfacing, or you’re breathing a sigh of relief because you’ve finally found someone who understands where you are coming from. That’s a great sign! These are signals that we may be a good fit to work together. So, I’d be happy to meet you and can’t wait to get started on this journey of healing together. Sit with it, maybe take another deep breath, soften or close your eyes, and when you’re ready, let’s move forward on this path toward your  flourishing and well-being.

I love Supervising Up-and-Coming Therapists

When you’re a budding or new therapist, it can be overwhelming to navigate all the ins and outs of becoming a licensed therapist. I remember feeling that way when I was starting my journey, which is why I’m passionate about mentoring and supervising new therapists. Getting quality supervision is an invaluable resource for therapists, and I am dedicated to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for those who are just starting out in the field.

Working with a clinical supervisor who is both empathetic and knowledgeable can greatly enhance your professional development as a therapist. Through supervision, you can deepen your theoretical knowledge, gain practical experience, and receive feedback from an experienced clinician. My goal is to help you develop a therapist identity that is authentic to who you are and will allow you to provide the best care for your clients. I also make business development a top priority in supervision…because let’s face it…grad school did not train us for that!

If you’ve recently graduated and either have or are waiting for your associate number and looking for a private practice associateship, please reach out and see if we’re a fit.

I also offer Consultations For Other Therapists wanting to learn about working with First Responders and also those who want to learn more about Wellness Practices

Being a therapist who works with first responders is an incredibly personal, important and specialized role. I am trained in specific techniques and approaches that are tailored to the unique needs of first responders, such as trauma-focused interventions, mindfulness practices, and resilience-building techniques. As a consultant, I offer support and guidance to other therapists who are interested in working with this population or want to enhance their skills in this area. Together, we can ensure that first responders receive the best possible care and support.

I also support wellness practitioners such as other holistic therapists, breathwork facilitators, and sound healers who work in the mental health field. I provide consultation and guidance on how to ethically integrate mental health practices into their sessions and create a safe space for clients to process emotions that may arise. My goal is to collaborate with wellness practitioners to offer holistic support and resources for individuals seeking mental health care.

I'm Glad You're Here!

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my therapeutic approach. But most importantly, thank you for taking the first step in prioritizing your mental health and well-being. I’m here to provide a safe and nurturing space for you to explore, process, and heal – at your own pace. I’m Marilyn Ashley, a holistic therapist based in Hermosa Beach, CA. I strive to help my clients build resilience, find balance, and live authentically. If you’re ready to take the first step:

  • Schedule Your 20-Minute Complimentary Phone Consultation
  • Learn More About Me and My Services
  • You Deserve to Live a Life of Health and Happiness!
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