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.

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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.

 

‘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. In fact, it seemed more than possible to find emotional benefit for storytellers who could tend to their vulnerability and add to their strengths.’