Meet Lisa Marin, LCSW
Lover of spice, music, and pushing back on societal norms. Give her two options and she’ll a pick a third.
Professional Stuff
Where I’ve been.
I’m a proud former Los Angeleno and a graduate of Cal State University, Northridge, though I eventually traded Pacific coast sunsets for the Midwest to complete my Master’s at the University of Kansas. My true credentials in high-stakes logistics, however, come from life as a military spouse. Raising two kids while moving from Japan to Germany and everywhere in between was my personal masterclass in resilience. Honestly, if you can navigate shifting an entire household across oceans multiple times, you’ve basically seen it all.
My professional focus has always been guiding teens and adults through the choppy waters of education and finding their independence. I keep things straightforward: our connection is the foundation of everything. Think of it this way: you are firmly in the driver’s seat, and I’m your co-pilot. I'll be here to help you make sense of the map, even when life feels like it’s completely upside down.
Where I’m going.
I am ready to navigate the storm with you if you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or powerful emotions that sweep in like a flash flood.
My focus is helping deep feelers—those with rich inner landscapes who often arrive at my practice feeling exhausted by chronic worry and low energy. If you are ready to break free from overwhelming mental loops, I am here to help you find that exit.
What interventions I use.
As an anxiety and depression specialist, I provide a sanctuary where your experiences are fully validated. We skip the surface-level fixes to dive into the deep end, working together to quiet internal chaos and find lasting peace. Think of our process as sorting through a cluttered suitcase after a long, difficult trip; it’s finally time to get you settled.
I’m your ideal therapist if. . .
You’ve been carrying the weight alone for too long. Whether it is relationship tangles or financial stress, you don’t have to handle the overwhelm by yourself. We will look beyond the symptoms to quiet the noise and achieve real relief.
Your internal "tabs" are all playing audio at once. If you are a deep feeler worn out by constant worry and mental cycles that won't stop, you’ve found the right place.
Your emotions go from zero to sixty in an instant. When intense feelings leave you drained or misunderstood, I offer a judgment-free space to help you manage that heavy emotional cargo.
You are done with life’s "shoulds." We are moving past shame and lectures to focus on your strengths, your hurdles, and the specific fears that keep you up at night.
If you value straightforward clarity over clinical talk—and want a partner to help unpack your baggage—we will be a great team.
Fun Stuff
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My favorite food.
I prefer a meal I didn’t prepare—specifically one that spans the full taste range. Give me a dinner packed with spice and bold flavors, followed quickly by anything chocolate to round out the evening.
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Books on my personal and professional bookshelf.
Titles currently on my shelf include Dr. Brad Reedy’s The Audacity to be You; Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle’s We Can Do Hard Things: Answers to Life's 20 Questions; Verity by Colleen Hoover; and Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. When it comes to my reading habits, I am a devotee of Libby App Roulette: my favorite genre is essentially whatever the library's digital algorithm serves up next. I truly enjoy the surprise of diving into a completely unexpected, random selection.
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My favorite music.
A little bit of everything depending on the mood, sometimes calm, sometimes something with more energy. I appreciate just about everything. If I have a really stressed out day, I will crank up the music and drown out the world!
The Commute: High-energy reggaeton blasting through the car speakers to psych myself up for the day.
At Work: A strict diet of tranquil spa music. If it doesn't sound like a gentle waterfall or a crystal bowl meditation, my brain cannot process clinical notes.
The Weekend: A total 180. I’m looking for live Blues music or high-octane, energetic music to officially shake off the workweek.
Sunday: Purely for relaxing music to help me reset, recharge, and mentally prepare to blast the reggaeton all over again on Monday.
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My most controversial food opinion.
I firmly believe that if a recipe calls for two cloves of garlic, it actually means two entire bulbs. My official stance is that more garlic, more onions, and more spice make everything better.
Also, as a proud former Los Angeleno, I will stand by this forever: In-N-Out has the absolute best burgers on the planet. It’s just an objective fact.
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My favorite hobbies.
Seeking out the unknown: I am naturally inclined to explore new destinations and uncover interesting trivia.
Exploring Kansas City: I love visiting local parks, particularly taking walks through Loose Park or the Nelson-Atkins Museum grounds.
Connecting with others: Whether it is a girls' night out, family time, or a concert, I prioritize staying socially engaged.
Essentially, I aim to keep moving, keep learning, and keep exploring.
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Dog or cat person?
Yes.
I refuse to choose a side, so I chose both. I am a firm believer in rescue animals and currently share my home with one dog and three cats.
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My favorite animal.
All of them.Don't make me choose. I genuinely love all of them (which explains why my house currently looks like a rescue sanctuary). If it has fur, feathers, or just an aggressive amount of personality, I am instantly its biggest fan. Except mosquitoes and snakes and spiders.
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My favorite Britney Spears song.
Circus
Between managing global military moves, raising two kids across oceans, and running a busy therapy practice, I don't just listen to this song- I lived it.
Begin Therapy in Kansas City, MO
If you read this and think Stephanie is a good fit, you’re right! Lisa is a fantastic therapist with a heart of gold. She’s trained in a variety of interventions and has lots of experience working with folks going through similar things to you. Stephanie is conveniently located therapy office in Gladstone, MO or through online therapy in Missouri. When you’re ready to get started with Lisa, follow these steps:
Fill out our easy to use online questionnaire to schedule a free consultation.
Get to know Lisa.
Stop carrying so much by yourself with Lisa’s help.