About Lisa Marston
Clientele seen
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Couples
Identity
Gender
FemaleFaith
ChristianEthnicity
Asian, White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Lisa Marston
Are you successful on paper but struggling on the inside? You've built the career, the family, the stability—but you're exhausted, anxious, and wondering if this is really the life you want.
I specialize in working with high-achieving adults who have spent years prioritizing everyone else. You're the capable professional, the devoted parent, the reliable one everyone counts on. But your own needs stay buried at the bottom of an endless list. You might be dealing with anxiety, burnout, family estrangement, strained relationships, or job dissatisfaction. You feel guilty for wanting more when you "should" be grateful.
You're tired of fragmenting yourself to fit different expectations—performing different versions of yourself for different audiences. You want to stop people-pleasing, set real boundaries, and prioritize yourself without guilt.
Who I Work Best With:
I work best with clients who are ready to look inward and willing to sit with uncomfortable feelings. You don't need to have it all figured out—just a willingness to try something different. My clients often describe feeling truly seen and understood. They learn to recognize when they're performing versus being authentic, develop the courage to set boundaries even when it feels uncomfortable, and build lives that honor all parts of who they are.
What should a new client know about working with you?
I'm direct, warm, and collaborative. I believe therapy works best when we're partners in your healing—you're the expert on your life, and I bring clinical expertise and an outside perspective. I'll ask challenging questions when needed, but always with compassion and respect for your pace. I won't tell you what to do, but I will help you explore your options and trust your own judgment.
For individual therapy, I use Internal Family Systems (IFS), which means we'll explore the different "parts" of you—the part that people-pleases, the part that's angry, the part that's exhausted, etc. This helps you understand internal conflicts and move toward integration rather than staying fragmented. For couples therapy, I utilize Imago Relationship Therapy to help partners understand childhood wounds, improve communication, and deepen emotional connection. I also incorporate trauma-informed practices, mindfulness as needed.
Sessions are typically weekly or biweekly depending on your needs and goals. I offer telehealth throughout Maryland and Washington, DC via a secure HIPAA-compliant platform.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Initial Consultation (Free, 15 min):
Brief call to discuss your needs and see if we're a good fit.
First Session:
Intake—understanding what brings you to therapy, your history, and goals. We'll create a treatment plan together.
Sessions 2-4:
Building trust and identifying patterns. We'll explore the different "parts" of you and how family-of-origin experiences shape current struggles.
Ongoing Sessions:
Once we've established safety and trust, we dive deeper into healing work. A typical session might include:
Checking in on your week and any significant events
Exploring a current struggle or activation (anxiety, conflict, difficult decision)
Using parts work to understand internal conflicts
Processing emotions that arise
Connecting current patterns to past experiences
A typical session includes:
Check-in on your week
Exploring current struggles or activations
Parts work to understand internal conflicts
Processing emotions
Sessions are collaborative—you're not just passively receiving advice. I'll ask questions to help you explore your own answers, challenge assumptions gently, and support you in trusting your own judgment.
For Couples Therapy:
Using Imago Relationship Therapy, we'll explore how childhood wounds show up in your partnership and learn skills for deeper listening, empathy, and connection. You will practice new ways of communicating with each other.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Lisa Marston, MSW, LICSW, LCSW - C has 150+ in-network plans.
Don’t see your insurance?
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- University of Maryland School of Social Work, Master's in Clinical Social Work
NPI number
1912660978
How soon can I make an appointment with Lisa Marston?
Generally, Lisa Marston has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Lisa Marston's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Lisa Marston accepting new patients?
Lisa Marston generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Lisa Marston's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Lisa Marston accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Lisa Marston is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Lisa Marston online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Lisa Marston using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Lisa Marston work with?
Lisa Marston works with Kenzen Psychotherapy.
What are common reasons for patients to see Lisa Marston?
Lisa Marston frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Lisa Marston on their profile.
What languages does Lisa Marston speak?
Lisa Marston speaks English.