Marv Howell-Arza, MSSA, LISW
she/her
It often feels impossible to be a human in the world today. If you feel like your body will never be "good" enough or “healthy” enough & you've been led to believe "fixing" it is a matter of "will-power," you're not alone. If your life feels like a cycle of crisis, distress, and finding yourself in a deeper hole than the one you were in the day before, you're not alone. If you identify with one or both of the previous sentences, we will have plenty to talk about. Together we can figure out what’s most important to you, how to get it, and how to remove obstacles one at a time. Let’s start uncovering just how “enough” you already are.
Derived from extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), my approach combines Health at Every Size (HAES) philosophies, trauma-informed practices, and humanistic frameworks. I also take a strengths-based perspective to utilize you, the expert on yourself, as an equal partner in the process.
If you’re ready to stop fighting your body and start embracing your true potential, let's work together. If you're tired of feeling tired and are looking for relief from your life as it currently is, whether that includes a component of body/food distress or not, I would love to support you on that journey.
More about me…
My name is Mariví, but you can call me Marv, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to partner with you on your journey to self-discovery! Officially, I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker/Clinical Therapist. Unofficially, I am a partner, a daughter/sister/aunt/niece, a friend, a cat mom (if we work together virtually, Juju & Sock might have some insight to provide if you’re lucky), and a person still figuring life out one day at a time. My Cuban heritage, BA in Arabic Language, and love for travel & learning about other cultures inspires me to continue trying new activities in my own life as well as approach my clients in a culturally and spiritually humble way that prioritizes social justice. I’m a sucker for leopard print, a scented candle, and a trashy reality tv show. Overall, I have been described by clients, co-workers, and friends as a “golden retriever”—I bring positivity and humor, ready at any moment to "sit" beside you and hold space for your feelings.