Marla Monk , LCSW, LISW-CP

Marla Monk is a licensed social worker based in South Carolina who brings five years of clinical experience to her work with individuals, couples, and families. She holds the credentials LCSW and LISW-CP - professional licenses that indicate advanced training and authorization to provide clinical social work and independent clinical practice. Marla focuses on a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy-related issues, parenting challenges, grief, and compassion fatigue, as well as issues affecting LGBT clients and women's health.

Her practice also addresses specialized areas such as adoption and foster care, caregiver stress, communication and control issues, domestic violence and sexual assault, family of origin concerns, first responder and veteran issues, post-traumatic stress, and career and life transitions. Marla integrates evidence-informed methods including client-centered approaches, cognitive behavioral strategies, dialectical behavior skills, emotionally focused work, and Gottman-informed couples techniques to tailor care to each person or partnership. She provides therapy in English and frames treatment around each client’s goals, values, and practical needs, offering collaborative, strengths-based support to navigate change, heal from past harms, and build healthier relationships.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Marla uses client-centered therapy to create a respectful, nonjudgmental environment where clients’ perspectives and goals guide the work; this approach is helpful for building self-understanding, improving self-esteem, and navigating life transitions. She also draws on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. For couples and relationship concerns, Marla integrates elements of the Gottman Method to help partners improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen emotional connection.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Marla works collaboratively with each person or couple to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Treatment plans are adapted over time based on what is proving helpful and what clients want to prioritize.

Online therapy with Marla is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexibility and easier access to care. These options allow clients to receive consistent support around work, family, and other obligations without extensive travel, while still engaging with licensed professionals who tailor interventions to individual circumstances.