Adults, Adolescents, Couples

Marilyn Smith, MA

Associate Professional Counselor

I believe everyone has a story to tell, and we all deserve to not only be heard, but also understood when sharing our stories. Being a part of that healing journey is something I consider sacred and an honor.

Hi there! My name is Marilyn, and I’m a Georgia girl, born and raised. I attended the University of Georgia for undergrad where I received degrees in both advertising and psychology. Upon graduating school, I moved to New York City to pursue a career in advertising. After some years in the city, I embarked on a journey to seek out a career that felt authentic to me and my strengths: counseling. While I loved life in New York City, the pandemic brought me back home for graduate school, and being close to my family and friends again felt right. I graduated Mercer University with a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and have gained experience working at a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center in Roswell, Georgia.

Meet Marilyn

Everyone’s therapeutic process is going to look different, and I’m eager to work with you to discover what that will be. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is most important in this process, and so I understand the need of finding a good fit. I take a collaborative, creative, and compassionate approach to my work, inspired by person-centered and narrative therapy. We all have narratives that guide our lives. Sometimes we get stuck in a narrative that is no longer effective, or we have a difficult time making sense of our experiences. Life can get overwhelming, but we do not have to be defined by our past or our pain. Talking with someone from an objective point of view can help you make sense of all the threads that make up you and your story, untangle those threads, and find meaning in them. Therapy can be a tool to increase self-compassion, understand our emotions, improve relationships, and offer healing.

How I work

When I’m not working, my self-care includes walking my Shih Tzu puppy, relaxing to music, Pilates and yoga, and browsing through thrift and antique stores. I like to cheer on the Dawgs, but I’m really there for the socializing and the snacks. I get most excited by trying great foods, my pup, and seeing my favorite bands live. More than anything, I’m fueled by time spent with my loved ones. I love to travel when possible, ideally making my way to the beach. I was able to combine my passion for counseling and travel by going to Kigali, Rwanda to teach trauma training to local counselors and community workers.

Under the direct supervision of: Dr. Vanessa Snyder, LPC, LMFT LPC006659, MFT001224

More about me

  • Depression & anxiety

  • Addiction

  • Significant life transitions & interpersonal challenges

  • Trauma

  • Self-esteem challenges

  • Sex/sexuality issues

  • Women’s issues


  • Adults

  • Adolescents

  • Couples

Who I help:

I specialize in:

  • National Certified Counselor (NCC)

  • Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University

  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Georgia

  • Bachelor of Arts in Advertising from the University of Georgia

My education + certification:


Contact me:

  • marilyn@resiliencesource.com

  • (404) 618-6246 | Direct

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.

— Carl Rogers