“I wanted to let you know how much I value your ability to be with me through life’s challenges, light up with me through life’s celebrations, and how you support me in living and loving fully…. Being with others in empathy is important to me, and I feel gratitude for your expertise in this area, your skill as a leader, and that your presence in my life meets so many needs.”

“Marina is one of my favorite teachers I’ve ever come across, not just because she knows her stuff as an NVC teacher, but because she walks her talk as a courageously vulnerable human being that creates a sacred safety for everyone in the room by being deliciously transparent herself. She’s the real deal.”

“Marina brings a fierce commitment to self-love in her work which helped to advance my personal practice and expand my own thinking about what it means to take care of myself. She has true mastery in her ability to provide deep empathy and guidance to her clients. I SO enjoyed working with Marina and would recommend her to anyone experiencing intense, painful emotions or looking to relate to themselves in new and different ways. She is a real leader in this field and constantly pushing the boundaries of how to love ourselves and one another.”

“Marina brings her whole loving, vulnerable self to create a loving healing space where each of us can explore our feelings and needs and learn new ways of moving from disconnection to connection. As a result of participating in Marina’s group, I am daily gaining a deeper understanding of myself, learning to love myself along with new ways to connect deeply with those around me.”

“Its been a powerful time doing some inner work and cleansing my relationship with my partner. Marina is a top counselor. She has been helping us walk through fragile conversations with amazing skill and presence. Her soft and intelligent ways allowed me to tap into old wounds that have been floating in the unconscious. Having this exposed is so liberating! It’s amazing to once again see how vulnerability rules! Thank you so much Marina! ”

“My life has been blessed with Marina’s presence and love. Before I ever even met her I knew I could trust this woman with my deepest sorrow and highest joy. I had the privilege to be part of an 8-week women’s NVC processing group where I experienced Marina’s love, acceptance, humor, joy, compassion, sensitivity, and insight. I believe that Marina’s heart could hold an ocean - even with the most tremendous of storms.”

“Nourishing, soulful, heartfelt, profound… more fully in myself as a result.”

“Marina is the genuine article: authentic, vulnerable, compassionate and wise. She holds a solid space for others to move boldly forward and open their hearts to themselves. I adore her dedication to the simple idea that we are each precious beyond measure. Her work has opened my heart and allowed several miracles to happen in my life.”

“Marina has helped me give voice to the wounded and shamed pieces of me through empathy and play, allowing me to be so aware of my own destructive self-talk. This woman has absolutely empowered me and inspires me to be the most open-hearted, uninhibited, and loving version of me. I hold so much gratitude for the gifts and tools she has brought into my life.”

“In 58 years of living, in countless situations, programs, schools, communities, therapies and all kinds of group dynamics, you are among the most gifted and effective faciltators I’ve ever known. Your vulnerability, passion, and spontaneity create a wonderfully safe space for deep, transformative work. I honor the selfless and pure way you share your strength and wisdom with us all. Thank you Marina!”

“I’ve been really loving our practicing together and learning so much on a deep cellular level. I see real change in sight. You are an extraordinarily effective teacher and I continue learning from your gentle instruction and brave role modeling. I am sensing a deepening within our growing community of non-violently communicating women and I look forward to returning to practice and continuing to build relationships within this community.”

“I loved the vulnerability, the sense of trust and being seen, as well as the humor and playfulness of this group — it was so much fun!!”

“I’m honored and grateful to be part of Marina’s Monday night NVC group. What a world of difference NVC has made in my life over just these past couple of months! I’m feeling much more grounded, empowered, and certain of the strength of my intuition. I’ve also been blessed to have had some 1:1 appointments with Marina over Skype. She absolutely embodies non-violence, thoughtfulness, engagement, and right intention. Thank you, Marina, for your gentle encouragement and support! ”

“I loved being in the 8 week group facilitated by Marina, using NVC communication techniques. It is obvious that Marina is doing her deeper work in this lifetime and is really passionate about the energy and potency of words. Being around her and being in her group has left me with a much deeper connection to the power of the spoken word and how to use them more skillfully to dissipate anger and create potential for healing.”

“When I am counseled by Marina, I feel like she really spends time stepping over into my world; meeting me where I am at. As a result, I feel heard and understood. Marina empathizes with me in a way that empowers me. She asks insightful and thought-provoking questions to get clear about my issue and that makes me, in turn, gain my own clarity, which is empowering and it gives me the confidence to take action. Without hesitation I recommend counseling with Marina especially if you are struggling with guilt, anxiety, procrastination, or shame.”

“Marina is outstanding. I can’t say enough about her. We’ve been working with her for about two months, and even though we are generally in a good space and have good tools for communication, her help has been invaluable in helping us take our relationship to the next level and open and expand it beyond what I thought possible. We are preparing for our marriage this summer, and with Marina, we’ve really been able to embark on the process of engagement and marriage as a spiritual and emotional rite of passage. We are working through our issues with greater compassion and understanding than before. I feel like Marina’s gentle coaching, her wisdom, and her practical and emotional insights are invaluable. Thank you, Marina, for all your help.”

“Marina’s a warm and wise coach, immensely talented at making one feel at ease while also pushing one into growing spaces. She has a grace about her coaching—an ability to probe gently at the tough spots and walls, and ask insightful questions that helped connect me deeply, in my body, to the feelings behind the thoughts and ideas I was expressing. She is very, very talented in intuiting what next step to take throughout a coaching session—whether in conversation, in silence at key moments, in somatic work, and in really helping me to identify the most fundamental needs that cloak themselves in other desires. Highly recommended. Be prepared for powerful work together!”

“I feel like I can share openly and fully with Marina without judgment, like I can share deep parts of myself where I haven’t previously had a space to do so. I get the sense that Marina is really with me, allowing me to show up more fully and authentically. Ultimately, I feel heard and appreciated and loved by her, leaving me lighter and brighter after our session.

Go and see this woman, pronto!”

“I feel like I can share openly and fully with Marina without judgment, like I can share deep parts of myself where I haven’t previously had a space to do so. I get the sense that Marina is really with me, allowing me to show up more fully and authentically. Ultimately, I feel heard and appreciated and loved by her, leaving me lighter and brighter after our session.

Go and see this woman, pronto!”

“5 stars would not be enough to characterize Marina’s work!!!! ! I have done a lot of therapy in my life, but my work with Marina has been by far one of the best experiences I have ever had!!! I started working with Marina in the context of NVC (non-violent communication). She was the assistant teacher in my first NVC class. I immediately noted her kind nature and open heart. She has an amazing insight into how working with our communication skills can lead to a deeper process that uncovers our deepest fears and grief. But what I find amazingly beautiful is that she is able to create a gentle supportive place for you to stay in there and actually process the true deep real stuff that comes up in the process (if you know what I mean). She is tender and nurturing, yet also very no nonsense. She always stays focused on bringing the work back to you, in very creative and insightful ways. She also gives you hard and fast tools to take with you back out into the “real world.”

I am now working with Marina one on one and in a group environment. I look forward to every meeting with her as I know in every session she brings me to a place where I touch a sense of deep embodied self and self confidence. If you are lucky enough to have been referred to Marina I can’t recommend her highly enough.”

“Marina has such a gift for helping people tune in to what’s under the surface for maximum relief and release. This teleclass was just what I needed to re-connect with myself in a loving way. ”

“Good counselors are hard to find. Marina is one of two that I would go to right now, and I’ve seen a few! I appreciate her ability to feel into me and help me get out of the habit of making myself wrong, and instead staying with the feelings underneath my judgments. My work with her has given me hope that I can transform lifelong patterns that have undermined my relationships, and learn to do something new. I appreciate that she gives practical, useful tips, and that she’s really sweet, understanding, and patient. I just really like her.”

“Marina is present with people in a way that allows for complete ease and a sense of peaceful opening. She doesn’t get mired in the details or the stories, but effectively helps to get to the real heart of the matter. She gently and lovingly helped me to connect a present concern with past experiences, offering a new perspective. I highly recommend her as a coach and counselor.”

“I have been part of one of Marina’s NVC groups for the better part of a year now. She has welcomed and supported me when I show up exuberant, or prickly, or distracted, or down. She directs our group into deep places of feeling, healing, and empowerment, but without heavy-handed guidance. I appreciate Marina’s ability to continually feel out the room and adjust our conversation/activities based on the needs most present in the group.”

“Marina is a gem. I’ve participated in two of her 8-week NVC women’s groups and have also received counseling individually through her private practice. Her warmth, openness, and enthusiasm for real and joyful inner work has strengthened me in delving deep into some very challenging areas of my life — areas that, without her excellent skill as a counselor and group facilitator, I don’t think I could have embraced so fully. For anyone who’s wanting to bring more compassion, joy, and effective communication to their lives and relationships — this is your gal!!”

“Marina is amazing. I found in her a compassionate heart and a willingness to see through the obvious. She is resourceful, insightful and honest. We did a lot if good work together. I recommend her highly.”

“Marina is a truly gifted counselor. She has been a great guide for me and my spouse in rebuilding our communication and reconnect at a core level. Through her wisdom and expertise, she helps people break down barriers and old ways of thinking to allow empathy, understanding, ultimately connection. She has helped peel away years of poor communication so we can see each other again.”

“My partner and I had our first session with Marina last night. In our own home! She has great energy, and was able to offer guidance and gifts that helped deepen our connection and illuminate unseen aspects of my personality. She is strong, delightful, and encouraging. I have worked with others before, but with Marina, even after just 1 session I know we are a great fit and will be working with her ongoingly. I am very happy to make this connect, and cannot recommend her highly enough.”

“Marina is awesome. Truly awesome. I’m so glad to be in her Monday night NVC group. I really appreciate her loving and playful presence and approach. And I’m grateful for her willingness and trust to allow life to emerge and unfold in our group as needed. The process feels very authentic, as does she! Working with Marina inspires me to be more me.”

“Marina is a wonderful human being and terrific counselor. Since meeting and working with her over the last three months she has helped give me the tools to become aware of and deal with many difficult issues and negative emotions and habits (some that have just come up, and some that I have been carrying around my entire life). Marina has that magic balance of being both extremely professional and caring and accessible and I felt completely comfortable in the space (both physical and emotional) that she provided at each meeting. She was also very flexible with my schedule, which was very full at the time. I am in such a better place in my life after meeting with her and feel ready to take on so many other challenges because of her guidance. The world is a better place with her in it and I would highly recommend her services to anyone seeking help and clarity.”

“Marina is amazing, totally amazing. She really is a gift to the planet. She is very authentically caring and you can tell her anything and she won’t judge you. Wow what a gift she gives. I am in one of her groups and I get so much out of it. She’s a great group leader. I also see her for coaching. So worth it. When I win the lottery and become rich, first I’ll buy a house, then I’ll buy a house for my dog, and the rest will go to Marina. Why? Because she deserves it.”

“Marina is a gentle coach who allows a lot of space for self-inquiry. I appreciated the softness of her approach.”

“Marina is a godsend. She is a guardian angel. First of all, her energy is fantastic. She holds a safe, caring, compassionate space so that I could be with all the icky emotions that I was dealing with. This then allowed me to create something powerful and positive.

I had told a toxic client that I couldn’t perform services for her in the future. I had worked hard to deliver the message with compassion and non-judgment, but she was enraged and went on a rampage to smear my company’s name and reputation. She posted outright lies on Yelp and to the BBB.

I had to respond since they were lies and I couldn’t leave those words out there in cyberspace unaddressed. I knew that many companies that respond to negative online reviews often look worse than if had they said nothing.

Marina walked me through her process and helped me address each criticism line by line. She showed me what to ignore and how to address the ones that needed attention.

After I wrote the piece, Marina reviewed it with me and helped me edit it to perfection.

I am very proud of our response and I feel anyone who is the type of person I wish to do business with will be attracted by my response.

Thank you, Marina! You are a life saver.”

“I have known Marina since about October 2012 and am continually amazed at her beautiful way of being in the world. Most recently I completed an 8-week NVC class that she led and was deeply inspired by her masterful knowledge of NVC and compassionate communication. In addition, her powerful leadership skills, combined with her keen intuition, sensitivity, and huge heart make her an ideal teacher of NVC. Highly, highly recommended!”

“Marina is incredible. She’s helped me twice with writing difficult letters to family members. Her loving, gentle guidance is invaluable and her presence is so solid and trustworthy. I’ve also sent various coaching clients of mine to her who were having challenging relationships and who needed her guidance to bridge the gap. She’s a special human being who is really gifted in empathy and open, honest, compassionate communication. Highly recommend her!”

“My experience working with Marina has been pretty life-changing. I’ve participated in her 8 and 12-week Women’s NVC groups and am currently embarking on my second 12 week. Her consistent authenticity, empathic radiance and yearning to crack the love light of the world has helped me to open up to deeper a more beautiful parts of myself and my relationships. I didn’t know how great the possibilities could be!”

“Fantastic experiences only have I had with Marina, in groups, retreat and in personal work. I am so grateful for her existence and only hope that more people experience the benefit of her presence, intelligence, compassion and guidance. That way lies world and inner peace for all!”

“I really enjoy the open, fun energy Marina brings… as well as the quality of consciousness and presence.”

“I feel like these meetings are a place where I can go to see miracles and am using them to make miracles happen in my life.”

“This group has been so helpful for me. It’s not only giving me tools for communicating with others, but perhaps more importantly, giving me insights into my own inner world and the ongoing dialogue that takes place there. It has been also been greatly supporting my client work in my private practice. The permission and encouragement to focus on needs is really life changing.”

“I love the way you facilitate…especially how you are sensitive to what’s alive in people at the moment and make room for that….I want to reiterate how your tenderness and sensitivity consistently touch me during our sessions….I feel deep appreciation for all the gentleness and skill that you bring to help us learn to communicate more compassionately.”

“Marina is a skilled and heartful leader and attracts a group of caring people who are great fun to explore NVC with.”

“My experiences in the group opened me to a new level of patience and presence that I have not experienced through sitting in men’s groups.”

“With her professional knowledge and intuitive wisdom, Marina created a safe and supportive container for exploring highly charged emotional issues.”

“Marina, I so appreciate your continuing to hold this sacred, healing space. I love your gentle, fierce non-violent passion, focus, and commitment, and loving, embodied presence. I feel so safe, held, and inspired with you, sparkling, mischievous, and brilliant at the helm.”

“I enjoy the way Marina invites the group to reflect on what’s most alive in them, and creates the space to include it, no matter what it is, joyful, difficult, scary, or shameful. She is great and super skilled in NVC. I highly recommend her practice group.”

“Your NVC practice group has met my needs for understanding and empathic support, and increased my feelings of closeness with others and deepened my immediate sense of community. Thank you so much for your loving and support presence.”

“I can’t thank you enough for your generous and loving spirit. I realized a lot about myself and the ways in which I communicate that needed change. We have been trying to hear each other now. … You are such a precious gift and you radiate love and understanding.”

“My experience with Marina was incredible. I deeply trusted her ability to guide me and to help me, and it was really beautiful. Our session transformed my relationship with my own fear. Ever since, I’ve felt more okay with myself. My ‘internal operations’ are much softer and more compassionate. I don’t punish myself any more as much. My session with her was one of the most important experiences of my life. Her work is really effective.”

“I found your work yesterday truly amazing. I deeply believe you have a powerful gift and I am hoping that you will be able to use it far and wide to help others.”

“Working with Marina has been a transformational experience. All of my relationships have been profoundly enriched by this process.”

“Marina is present with people in a way that allows for complete ease and a sense of peaceful opening. She doesn’t get mired in the details or the stories, but effectively helps to get to the real heart of the matter. She gently and lovingly helped me to connect a present concern with past experiences, offering a new perspective. I highly recommend her as a coach and counselor.”

“Thank you again for a really transformational session. … We had some breakthroughs because of your skilled leading us through the slow, careful NVC process. I’m inspired to get back into NVC study, and he and I have agreed that when things get heated in the future, we immediately get out of blame and go into discussion of NEEDS instead.”

“Marina’s warmth throughout our session and her calm presence helped me open up some deep tender places within. I’ve seen a lot of different counselors, and this soft sweet space she made for me helped me make some powerful changes.”

“We want you to know how much NVC is helping us to connect with each other in a new and positive way. We feel empowered, understood and very optimistic about our relationship.”

“You maintained so much sensitivity to our comfort levels in your choice of exercises and how they dovetailed into gradual greater risks. It was masterful, seriously. The meditation was something else too….I encourage and reinforce you in every possible way to keep doing what you are doing! It’s unique and valuable to our hurting human race.”

“I keep thinking about what we did on Sunday…. In my contacts with people in my daily life, I seem to be seeing them in another way, wondering what ‘shame’ challenges that they might have in their life, and wondering how I could best meet them. I hope that I can do more of this type of work.”

“Marina is a loving, radiant, skillful facilitator – highly recommended!”

“The Shame Workshop was deeply transformative.”

“Marina provides an excellent balance of gentleness and boldness to both inviting the heart to open and to making positive changes as well.”

“This is a beautiful way to take care of yourself and make great strides in loving yourself in a single afternoon.”

“Marina shares her amazing gift of being able to accelerate connecting among a group of strangers.”

“Just what I needed to open, release, and surrender.”

“Great way to practice the yoga of connecting with self and others.”

“Marina brought light and love to us, and elicited it from us.”

“Marina’s open heart is contagious.”

“I can be allergic to hippie woo woo, but I loved this gathering.”