Marla Monk , LCSW, LISW-CP

Marla Monk is a licensed social worker based in South Carolina who brings focused, practical care to people navigating stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, trauma, and related challenges. She holds LCSW and LISW-CP credentials - LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker and LISW-CP indicates a licensed independent social worker with clinical practice authorization - and she has five years of clinical experience supporting individuals, couples, and families.

Her practice addresses a broad range of concerns including depression, grief, parenting and caregiver stress, intimacy and relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, career challenges, and compassion fatigue. She also works with clients around adoption and foster care matters, first responder and veteran issues, communication and control problems, and recovery after sexual assault or domestic violence. Her approach integrates several evidence-informed methods to fit each client’s goals.

Marla provides services in English and applies clinical tools drawn from client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, emotionally focused therapy, and the Gottman Method to tailor treatment for individuals and couples. She emphasizes collaboration with clients to identify priorities and practical strategies for change. Marla is not currently accepting new clients.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Marla integrates client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy alongside the Gottman Method to support clients in online sessions. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the client’s own goals and insights drive the work - it is often helpful for building self-esteem, processing change, and fostering emotional exploration. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) emphasizes identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, making it useful for anxiety, depression, and stress management. The Gottman Method offers structured tools for couples to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen connection.

Finding the right fit among these approaches is a collaborative process. Marla works together with each person or couple to determine which methods align with their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Marla is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, giving flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access consistent care from home or another convenient location, supporting continuity and regular progress even when life is busy.