In the mid-90s, Mariel made the more-obvious-than-it-seems progression from entertainment industry executive to mental health therapist—a move she’s never regretted. Today, she is an author and international trainer for Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, a powerful psychospiritual modality developed by Richard Schwartz, PhD, that fosters healing and wholeness for the “multiple characters in our minds.” As a teacher, Mariel is renowned for her ability to make complex topics clear and accessible, using a collaborative style that playfully elicits the inherent wisdom of others.​

 

Now, Mariel brings her clinical wisdom back to the arts through Character Mapping. This innovative method serves as both a psychological toolbox for building backstory and a process for artistic self-discovery. Drawing on decades of professional experience, Mariel has crafted a uniquely transformative psycho-spiritual approach that stands on its own.

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"Stories hold real potential for growth and healing—and not only for the audience. As a fan, I've felt uneasy, and almost parasitic, to know that I was enjoying a performance when the actor, writer, or director was suffering because of the content. As an IFS therapist, I knew it didn't have to be that way."

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Whether guiding actors, writers, or directors, Mariel is devoted to making the creative process more integrated and restorative for all involved.​