Today we’d like to introduce you to Marielsie Morales.
Hi Marielsie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for becoming a licensed clinical social worker (psychotherapist) truly began in my early twenties, but looking back, the spark was there since I was a little girl. I’ve always been drawn to understanding people — their emotions, their behaviors, and what drives them. Mental health fascinated me long before I even had the words to describe it.
I grew up with a sister who is three years older than me and was diagnosed with intellectual disabilities at a very young age. Watching my parents, especially my mother, navigate countless appointments with specialists, doctors, and psychologists — often facing misdiagnoses and misunderstanding — left a lasting impression on me. From a young age, I witnessed the challenges within the special needs community and how unfairly individuals were sometimes treated. That experience planted in me a strong sense of justice and a desire to advocate for what’s right.
As I pursued my education, I had the privilege of learning from incredible mentors who were not only knowledgeable but deeply passionate about their work. They inspired me to channel my empathy and curiosity into action. That’s when I knew social work — and ultimately psychotherapy — was my path. What I love most about this field is its endless opportunities to make a difference. Whether through direct clinical work, advocacy, or community involvement, I’ve realized that being a psychotherapist allows me to contribute to meaningful change every single day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I always get asked this question and many people think it was easy and smooth for me. No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — far from it. My journey has been filled with challenges, detours, and moments of doubt. It took me longer than I had hoped to finish my education, and there were many times when I questioned whether I could really do it. I didn’t have the financial support to focus solely on school, so I worked full-time while raising our young daughter. Around that same time, my husband and I were expecting our second child and buying our first home — it felt like everything was happening all at once.
I was working in the banking industry as a teller, and I remember feeling completely unfulfilled. The company politics and lack of purpose made me miserable, and there were days when I thought about giving up on my dream. But my husband was my rock. He reminded me why I started, why it mattered, and that I was capable of more than I believed. His faith in me gave me the strength to keep going when things felt impossible.
Leaving my job to focus on school was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. It meant facing financial struggles and uncertainty, but I kept reminding myself of the future I was working toward — not just for me, but for my children. I wanted them to see what perseverance looks like, to understand that dreams are worth fighting for even when the road gets rough. Looking back now, every obstacle was part of the story that shaped me into the person and professional I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of OnyiaMind Counseling Inc. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The idea for OnyiaMind Counseling Inc began forming back in 2016 after several years of working in the community and seeing firsthand how some organizations approached mental and behavioral health care. I noticed that therapy was often treated as a “one-size-fits-all” process, with a rigid, textbook approach that left little room for individuality. That experience inspired me to create something different — something more personal, more real, and more human. Financially it was not realistic and I had no idea where to start with having my own practice.
I wanted to build a space where people felt truly seen and understood — a safe, nonjudgmental environment where healing feels possible. Therapy, to me, is one of the most intimate experiences a person can have. You’re opening up about your pain, your trauma, your fears, and your hopes. It deserves to be met with empathy and authenticity. My goal has always been simple: when someone walks into a session with me or any of my therapists, they leave feeling lighter, more hopeful, and in a better place than when they arrived.
While my background is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I also integrate Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) — a powerful approach that helps clients recognize and change unhelpful thinking patterns that fuel anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. What makes our practice unique is our commitment to meeting clients exactly where they are.We don’t rush the process or force progress. Instead, we guide clients to take ownership of their journey, both inside and outside of the therapy room, because accountability and active participation are key to lasting change.
In 2018, I officially opened OnyiaMind Counseling Inc, and what began as a solo practice working through telehealth services and occasionally renting a shared space office by Dadeland I was limited to providing therapy I wanted to especially catering to clients working because the office space I rented I was not able to work past 5pm or weekends. In late 2020 during the covid pandemic the need for mental health services was evident and at the same time I was working for Jackson Health Hospital as a case manager and wanted a change, I took the leap after being told by several people it was too risky to take a chance in leasing my own office space however it was the best decision I ever made and OnyiaMind Counseling now has grown into a thriving private group practice with several dedicated psychotherapists working alongside me under my supervision and guidance. Together, we provide a wide range of services including individual therapy, family and couples counseling, and child and adolescent therapy.
We also specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) — tailoring behavioral interventions to fit the specific needs of each client. When working with children, we emphasize that success comes from a collaborative effort: the child must be receptive, and parents must be actively involved and open to guidance and recommendations.
What I’m most proud of is that *OnyiaMind Counseling* represents compassion, authenticity, and growth. It’s not just about providing therapy — it’s about helping people build a healthier relationship with themselves and their world. I want readers to know that our mission is rooted in empowerment. Every person who walks through our doors has the potential to heal, grow, and thrive — and we’re honored to be part of that journey.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In 5-10 years, I see OnyiaMind Counseling expanding to serve additional counties and continuing to grow our team with dedicated psychotherapists who share the same passion and vision for compassionate, high-quality care. We also plan to expand independently in the field of ABA to better serve parents and children through personalized, evidence-based therapy.
Beyond clinical growth, I aspire to pursue my long-standing goal of teaching and mentoring future social workers and individuals seeking licensure. My aim is to provide realistic, hands-on training and meaningful guidance to help shape the next generation of practitioners who are both skilled and empathetic in their approach.
Pricing:
- Individual Sessions $125-$150
- Couples Sessions $200-250
- Family Sessions $250
- School Assessments $75
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.ONYIAMIND.COM
- Instagram: @onyiamind
