Marnel Tucker

My name is Dr. Marnel Tucker, I am a clinical psychologist, and I have been in the mental health field for 20 years. I treat adults, young adults, teens, and seniors. Throughout the years I've practiced in many settings including; inpatient, outpatient, dual-diagnosed, and mild to moderate severity. I work from a culturally competent position, meaning I am self-aware. Allowing me to work with other cultures with diverse values, beliefs, feelings, religions, sexuality, ethnic backgrounds, and gender differences. This awareness allows me to be mindful and fully engaged in working with many patients who strongly identify with their own cultural needs, attitudes, awareness, discrimination, injustices, biases, preferences, family systems, traditions, languages, and knowledge.

My approach

What is the integrative approach? I take an integrative approach to therapy and focus on meeting and respecting each individual’s needs. I work to provide a space that is compassionate and open, where my clients do not feel judged, but deeply understood. My clients will be able to experiment with different ways of being and relating. I want to help my clients feel comfortable when providing feedback about what is helping them and what’s not. I will avidly listen to each person’s needs and do my absolute best to accommodate them. Here are several different types of therapy used at the practice. Many types can be used for a single individual. Some types can include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - This technique mixes cognitive and behavioral therapies. It focuses on the person’s thoughts, beliefs, and how those things influence his or her mood and behaviors. The goal is to create thinking that helps a person to adapt and to change unhealthy behavioral patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - This type of therapy is a subcategory of CBT. It was developed for those dealing with suicidal thoughts and attempts. DBT focuses on creating a relationship between the individual and the therapist which is equal and strong. The psychologist will talk with the individual about behavior that is unhealthy. Then teach individuals the skills needed to deal with situations better. Interpersonal Therapy - This is typically used on a one-on-one basis. It is based on the idea that improving the way a person communicates and how the person relates to others is a very effective way to treat depression. Individuals are taught how to identify when an emotion is unhealthy and when a situation is a trigger for those unhealthy emotions. Individuals will also be taught how to express emotions in a positive way.

My focus

My practice serves individual teens and adults, as well as couples and families. The most common issues I work with are Addiction (Alcohol, Substances, Sex, Love, Gambling), Anger, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorders, Depression, Grief and Loss, LGBTQ, Life Transitions, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Personal Growth, Relationship Problems, Self-Esteem, Substance Abuse, and Trauma.

My communication style

Compassion, respect, and understanding. I am VERY honest, direct, real, and focused on giving you relief from symptoms. I can provide a fresh perspective on a long-standing issue and new ways to solve problems. I share and love to give tools/education on psychological and emotional processes. Mostly, to give you a space to process your personal history, to find support for current day-to-day stress, and to plan for future success.

My goals for you

People use therapy for many different reasons. Sometimes it is for help with psychological or mood problems such as anxiety or depression. Sometimes it is for help in making a change, such as living a healthier lifestyle or becoming more effective at communicating in relationships. Sometimes an unexpected change throws us into a difficult situation, such as divorce or a work transition. Many people seek out therapy as a space for personal growth and value the support and honest feedback of a therapist. Therapy is right for anyone interested in cultivating a life with more insight, flexibility, and resilience. I work from where you are, based on what you feel needs to be a priority, and then we go from there.

My first session with you

The first session is an opportunity for you to meet me and talk about your goals for therapy. You should ask questions about how I will work with you to meet these goals, and anything else you are curious about. My goal is to make you feel comfortable, relaxed, safe, and positive. Most people think for a long time about making that initial appointment and often feel nervous or anxious about meeting a therapist for the first time. This is normal. All you have to do is show up and be yourself.