After four years as Balance Psychotherapy, we’re excited to introduce our new name – Marra

We’ve grown and evolved, and our new name reflects our commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based therapy that honors the whole person.

Rooted in Marratutuyari (the Huichol word for “deer”), Marra draws inspiration from the sacred Blue Deer, a revered spirit guide for the Wixárika people of Mexico. In choosing this name, we honor our founder’s ancestral roots and the transformative power of guidance. Just as the Blue Deer leads seekers toward deeper understanding, we aim to walk alongside our clients as trusted guides on their path to healing.

Marra represents our dedication to creating meaningful connections and fostering healing relationships.

This is a way of life

Therapy is a way of tending to your life, not just repairing it. Maybe you’re in the middle of a big change, feeling disconnected from yourself, or realizing old patterns keep showing up in new ways. Maybe you’re craving more ease, more clarity, or simply a place where you can exhale and figure out what’s next. Whatever brings you here – growth, grief, curiosity or change, therapy gives you space to make meaning of it all.

This is life! And while it can be tempting to go it alone, none of us is really built for that. We know because, just like our clients, we regularly make time for our own therapy because we believe having a web of support makes a world of difference.

So whether you are overwhelmed and over it, or over the moon, in the thick of it or making new meaning of old stories, we welcome you and your material with a warm greeting – Hello, fellow traveler.

Therapists

Years in Business

Languages

Our Founder

Our founder’s story began with a belief: therapy should feel like a part of living, not just a response to pain.

I created Marra because I couldn’t find anything like it. After a decade of working in traditional therapeutic settings and having been in therapy myself off and on for much of my life, I realized something important was missing. While there were skilled clinicians and well-intentioned practices, I never found a place that truly felt like home, felt connected, felt collaborative and felt human.

So I set out to build the space I wish I had when I needed it most. I wanted more than a solo practitioner behind a door. I wanted an ecosystem: a team of diverse therapists and practitioners who support one another, share insights and bring their collective strengths to the work. When you meet one of us, you’re supported by a whole team. We’re standing with you, together.

My identity as a Latina immigrant, a mother, and someone who believes that healing is a part of living, not just surviving, shapes everything about this practice. At Marra, therapy isn’t a last resort, it’s a lifestyle.

I am honored that you’re here. Let’s walk forward, together.

-Elisa Guevara-Brennecke

Our Space

This isn’t a clinic. It’s a space for reflection, connection, and real-life pause — because therapy should feel as comforting as your favorite corner of your home.

Located in the heart of Chicago, our space was created to feel warm, grounded, and thoughtfully designed. We’ve intentionally moved away from anything clinical or sterile. Instead, you’ll find natural light, calming tones, and spaces that invite stillness — a place where you can truly relax, reset, and reconnect with yourself.

Whether you’re coming for an in-person session or simply seeking a sense of calm in the middle of a busy week, our Chicago therapy space is designed to remind you that care can feel beautiful, intentional, and human.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY

We foster relationships built on trust

Come as You Are

We are always ready to meet people exactly where they are and provide them with what they need, when they need it. It’s a nonjudgemental, inclusive invitation for our clients to bring their material to us, knowing that we will hold it and them with reverence, compassion, and expert care.

Therapy for All

This mantra has multiple meanings. For our clients, it means we are accessible, approachable, and genuinely welcoming to anyone who is ready to seek support. For our team and brand, it represents our belief that therapy and the pursuit of wellness is a lifestyle choice that can support and enrich us through every life season, chapter, and challenge.

Expertly Matched

Whatever the reason for seeking therapy, we have a therapist that’s just right. We understand that people are dynamic and benefit from a variety of viewpoints. That’s why we meticulously curate a diverse array of therapists that represent a multitude of life experiences, identities, orientations, and specializations so that when a client comes to us with a very specific need, we can say, We’ve got you.

Rooted in Humanity, Strengthened by Science

While we use our shared humanity as a starting point, our work is deeply informed by the most recent data, studies, and science-based insights. We use this combination of personal and collective wisdom to continually improve our understanding of psychology and wellness so we can help our clients manage their mental health, adjust their mindsets,  gain insight into their relationship dynamics, and achieve the meaningful changes they seek.

A Community of Care

We know that an authentic experience of belonging can be deeply healing and transformative. As Marra grows, we aim to create a thriving community where services are offered in unexpected and innovative ways – through specialized groups, programming, and social events. Across every touchpoint, we show that  we care deeply about each other, the many communities we serve, and cultivating a village approach to our therapeutic model.

Future Best

Therapy is a pathway forward—not a pause or a backstep. We honor your story and the experiences that shaped you, but we’re here to help you move toward what’s next. Therapy with us is proactive, empowering, and deeply future-focused. It’s about building tools, gaining clarity, and creating momentum. Whether you're navigating change, healing from the past, or simply seeking a fuller sense of self, we’re here to walk with you—forward.