Marilyn Bryan DeBernardo, LMHC

Marilyn Bryan DeBernardo is a New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 25 years of experience. She works with adults who are dealing with addiction, grief, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions. She also supports people facing relationship and family stress, caregiving strain, and aging and geriatric issues. Her approach is practical and person-focused. She uses a mix of therapy styles to meet each person where they are. Sessions aim to help clients build skills to manage strong emotions, reduce harmful behaviors, and improve communication with loved ones. Marilyn draws on strategies that help people make clearer choices and take steps toward change. She has a long history working in community settings across the Capital Region of New York. That background means she often connects clients with outside resources when needed. Her experience includes helping people navigate substance use concerns alongside mental health symptoms. In the therapy room she works collaboratively. Marilyn helps clients set realistic goals and practices tools together during sessions. Over time those skills are intended to support better daily routines, steadier moods, and healthier relationships. Marilyn emphasizes gradual progress rather than quick fixes. She encourages people to notice small changes and build on them. If someone is ready to address stress, addiction, grief, or the challenges of aging, she offers steady support and practical guidance.

How therapy approaches guide online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then focus on actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches specific skills to shift unhelpful patterns; it often helps with anxiety, mood, and addiction-related thoughts. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist listens closely and follows the client's lead to help them find their own solutions.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Marilyn will discuss goals and preferences and recommend strategies that fit each person's needs. That collaboration helps shape session focus, whether the aim is managing cravings, navigating grief, improving communication, or coping with aging-related changes.

Session logistics should be confirmed before booking because format options are not specified in the biography. Many people find online sessions help fit therapy into busy days, reduce travel time, and make it easier to maintain consistent appointments. Marilyn's clinical methods translate into practical exercises, skill practice, and check-ins that can be done in scheduled sessions so therapy fits into everyday life.