Marina Pope, LMHC

Building genuine connections with people and learning about the unique ways so many incredible human beings demonstrate resiliency is what gets me excited about my work. One of the most stimulating aspects of being a Mental Health Counselor is the unpredictability of my day to day interactions with the people I work with. The opportunity to regularly learn new things and facilitate growth in the lives of those who I treat energizes me and keeps me feeling enthusiastic about the work that I am able to be a part of.
Understanding the lens through which we see the world can be an enlightening experience. Every moment of our lives molds and shapes our perception. Once we can recognize the “why” behind how we view ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us – things change. Building self-awareness is a skill that empowers us to become more active participants in our own lives. Learning the implications of this skill both in my own life and that of my clients has proven to be one of the most rewarding things I’ve learned in my career.
Over the past decade, I have had the opportunity to work in several different settings providing treatment to children, adolescents, families, and adults. I began my career volunteering at a local crisis hotline where I was able to instantly see the impact one can have in this field. My passion for helping others was ignited, and I began exploring the different ways I could best support the clients I worked with. I continued to expand my experience in substance abuse clinics, community youth clinics and later in healthcare working as part of a collaborative care team. Although each setting proved to be different, the trust and meaningful connections built were the same.
We all have our own personal connections to mental health and addiction. Whether having been through these challenges ourselves, or having a loved one struggle with these concerns – we’ve felt it. Being a part of someone’s process of transformation to healthier and happier living is truly fulfilling. That’s my why; the growth, the change, and the evolution. Being able to witness the commitment, effort, and vulnerability it takes to make progress possible. It’s something that impacts the lives of my clients, but it also has a significant impact on me.