Marlena Taylor, APCC
Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #
Supervised By:
Client Focus
BIPOC Communities
LGBTQIA+ Individuals
Neurodiverse Clients
Specialties
Depression
Trauma Recovery
ADHD
Anxiety
Grief, Loss and Bereavement
PTSD
Autism
Relationships
Treatment Methods
Motivational Interviewing
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Schema Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Marlena's specialized training in Schema Therapy and EMDR provides clients with advanced tools for processing trauma and shifting deeply rooted patterns that may be contributing to current struggles.
Her passionate commitment to neurodiversity-affirming care ensures that Autistic and ADHD clients receive support that honors and centers their unique ways of thinking and experiencing the world, rather than pathologizing their differences.
Marlena's dedication to serving BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities reflects her broader mission to reduce stigma and increase access to culturally responsive, individualized mental health care for underrepresented groups.
"She believes in creating a safe, judgement-free space where she can work collaboratively with clients to meet their goals. Marlena hopes to center and uplift those who think differently and feel more intensely, while educating others and reducing the stigma against seeking counseling among marginalized groups."
- Marlena Taylor
Marlena Taylor is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor who brings deep compassion and specialized expertise to her work with individuals from underrepresented and neurodiverse communities.
With particular focus on trauma, grief and loss, and supporting Autistic and ADHD clients, she creates safe, judgment-free spaces where clients can explore their experiences while working collaboratively toward their goals. Marlena's path to this work began through her volunteer experience at Camp Hope through Niagara Hospice, where she supported youth navigating bereavement, an experience that inspired her lifelong commitment to serving those who have experienced trauma or loss.
Her counseling approach is person-centered, holistic, and wellness-based, integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, Schema Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This comprehensive framework allows her to address both immediate emotional needs and deeper patterns rooted in past experiences. Marlena is especially passionate about working with individuals from minority backgrounds and neurodiverse clients, drawing on her own journey of better understanding her thoughts, emotions, and experiences to center and uplift those who think differently and feel more intensely.
With a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Science degree from SUNY Oswego, Marlena brings strong academic foundations combined with specialized advanced training. She earned an Interdisciplinary Trauma Studies Advanced Certificate in 2023, completed EMDR training through EMDRIA, and is working toward becoming a Certified Schema Therapist through an international training and certification program. Her clinical experience spans multiple private practice settings, working with clients of various ages, backgrounds, and presenting challenges.
Marlena is deeply committed to educating others and reducing the stigma around seeking counseling among marginalized groups, working to fill gaps in care that is truly individualized to each community's needs. She proudly welcomes BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ clients, as well as those navigating depression, anxiety, PTSD, Autism, ADHD, and relationship issues, along with anyone who simply needs someone to talk to. Outside the therapy room, Marlena finds renewal through walks in nature, reading, and writing. She nurtures her creative spirit through art in many forms, including listening to music, playing instruments, drawing, and painting, activities that reflect her belief in the healing power of authentic self-expression.