Marilyn Bryan DeBernardo

Marilyn Bryan DeBernardo is a New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who helps people facing anger, addiction, anxiety, grief, and other life stresses. She speaks plainly and aims to create a working relationship that helps people take practical steps forward. Her style is direct and supportive, focused on real-world changes rather than jargon.

With 25 years of experience in counseling, Marilyn has spent much of her career helping adults and their loved ones manage substance use issues, codependency, relationship strain, and trauma. She also supports those coping with depression, bipolar concerns, ADHD, parenting stress, and changes like divorce or caregiving demands. Her work often addresses the overlap between mental health and addiction.

Her approach draws on therapies that help people notice what matters, change unhelpful patterns, and build new skills. Sessions typically include checking what matters to the person, trying out different coping tools, and practicing ways to respond differently in upsetting moments. Marilyn emphasizes practical steps that fit into everyday life.

People who are worn down by repeated setbacks often come for help with anger, loss, or relationship problems. She offers guidance on breaking cycles of blame and learning clearer communication. Marilyn also connects people with resources in the community when extra support is needed.

Marilyn works in New York and provides services in English. She aims to form a collaborative partnership so people can move from feeling stuck to making steady changes that matter to them.

How her approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters most and commit to small, meaningful actions that match those values. It is useful for anxiety, anger, addiction, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and practicing different behaviors to reduce distress and improve mood. It often helps with anxiety, depression, and anger management. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and working at the client’s pace to build a stronger sense of self and better decision-making.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Marilyn will talk with each person about their goals, try a few methods, and decide collaboratively which tools fit best. The process is flexible so therapy can shift as needs change.

Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life by reducing travel time and allowing appointments from different locations. For practical session options, confirm the specific formats offered before booking. Many people find video or phone work helps them check in more regularly, try new skills between sessions, and manage follow-up exercises without rearranging their whole day. Licensed professionals aim to adapt exercises so they work well in remote sessions and in the client’s day-to-day routine.