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After four years as Balance Psychotherapy, we’re stepping into a new era — welcome to MARRA.

Our new name isn’t a change for the sake of change. It’s a reflection of who we’ve become. Over the years, our team, our philosophy, and the way we practice therapy have evolved. MARRA represents that evolution — a more authentic expression of our purpose and how we serve our community.

Why the Change?

When Balance Psychotherapy was born, we were a small team with a big mission: to make therapy accessible, human, and rooted in compassion. As we’ve grown, we’ve realized our work extends far beyond traditional talk therapy. We’ve become a collective of therapists, who approach mental health as a lifestyle — something to be integrated, not visited once a week.

Our new identity, MARRA, reflects this multidisciplinary approach — one that embraces the mind, body, and human spirit.

The Meaning Behind MARRA

MARRA finds its roots in Marratutuyari, the Huichol word for deer. In Wixárika (Huichol) tradition, the Blue Deer is a sacred spirit guide — a symbol of wisdom, renewal, and transformation.
For us, it’s a metaphor for therapy itself.

Just as the Blue Deer guides seekers toward deeper understanding, we see our role as therapists as walking beside you — helping you access the version of yourself that’s already within you, waiting to emerge. MARRA is that journey toward your highest self.

What This Means for You

If you’ve been redirected here from Balance Psychotherapy — you’re in the right place.
Same trusted team. Same compassionate care. Same commitment to helping you grow — just under a name that better captures who we’ve become.

MARRA represents the next chapter in our story:

• A modern, inclusive space for healing and growth.
• A team of experts grounded in evidence-based care and diverse perspectives.
• A commitment to redefining what it means to live well — inside and out

Thank you for being part of this evolution. We can’t wait to continue this journey with you — now, as MARRA.

Elisa Brennecke, LCPC she/her
Founder and CEO
MARRA (formerly Balance Psychotherapy)

We book our OB visits. We show up for dental cleanings. We see the dermatologist, schedule mammograms, and tick off whatever screenings our age or family history recommends. We do these things because prevention makes sense. And yet, somehow, mental health still gets parked at the bottom of the list as if our minds are extras and our bodies are the main event.

I want to make a simple case: an annual mental health check-in should be just as routine as the rest of your preventive care. Not because you’re in crisis, not because anything is “wrong,” but because your emotional life deserves the same proactive attention you give your physical health. The body and the mind are teammates. Stress sneaks into your shoulders, anxiety shows up in your sleep, low mood can change your appetite and energy, and overwhelm can leave your stomach in knots. When we support one, the other often steadies, too.

Think about how much can shift in a year without you noticing. Maybe work crept into your evenings. Maybe a relationship changed shape, hormones started whispering (or shouting), grief surfaced, or the news cycle wore down your nervous system one notification at a time. You can feel “fine” and still be carrying more than you realize. An annual check-in is like lifting the hood and taking a clear, compassionate look—what’s humming along, what needs a tweak, and what might benefit from a little extra care.

So what actually happens in a check-in? Picture a focused, forty-five to sixty minute conversation that takes a quick snapshot of your mental health. We scan the basics—sleep, stress load, mood, anxiety, concentration, movement, substance use, the way your body’s been talking to you lately. I’ll often use a couple of brief, evidence-based questionnaires—think of them as mental health vital signs—to see where things land compared to last year. They’re not tests you “pass” or “fail.” They’re information. Together, we connect the dots, and by the end you leave with two or three practical tools tailored to your life: maybe a simple sleep reset, a grounding technique you can use between meetings, a short boundary script for a tricky conversation, or a micro-routine that actually fits a Tuesday.

If everything checks out, wonderful. You get the reassurance that you’re on track and we set a reminder to do it again next year. If something looks like it needs attention, we map out options that match your bandwidth. Sometimes that’s a few sessions of solution-focused therapy—brief, targeted, and very doable. Sometimes it’s a referral or a plan to loop in your primary care provider. Therapy doesn’t have to be long or heavy to be effective; small, strategic adjustments can make a real difference.

I can hear the question: “Do I need this if I feel okay?” Yes-for the same reason you still go to the dentist when your teeth don’t hurt. Prevention is the kindest form of care. And if there is something brewing under the surface, catching it early makes everything easier. Another common worry is time. I get it. That’s exactly why a check-in is designed to be efficient. One appointment, clear feedback, and a realistic plan you can actually follow.

If you decide to schedule one, you don’t need to prepare a novel. Jot down a few notes about your sleep, energy, and anything your body has been flagging. Bring your real week, the messy, normal version. Set one intention: maybe you want to feel less frazzled at 5 p.m., or stop waking up at 3 a.m., or handle conflict without the adrenaline spike. We’ll start there. The goal isn’t to become a different person by next month; it’s to tune your system so you feel more like yourself in the life you already have.

Underneath all of this is permission. Permission to care for your inner world before it screams for attention. Permission to treat mental health like health, period. When you put an annual check-in on your calendar, you’re not announcing that you’re broken. You’re saying, “I matter enough to maintain.” You’re investing in steadiness, clarity, and confidence that carries into every corner of your life.

If you’re ready to make this part of your routine, book a time with a licensed therapist and call it what it is: your annual mental health check-in. You’ll leave with either a thumbs-up and a couple of fine-tuning tips or a simple, compassionate plan for the year ahead. In the future you will be so grateful you made it a thing.

Click here to book your Annual Mental Health Visit!

Finding the right therapist can feel daunting…kind of like online dating. And if you’ve ever been on a dating app, you know exactly what I mean. It’s overwhelming, vulnerable, and sometimes discouraging. You swipe, you match, you message—and still, the connection isn’t what you hoped for.

Recently, a friend and I were swapping online dating stories, and she said something that stuck with me: “Online dating helped me realize how normal I was.” We laughed, but there’s truth in it. You may have matched with someone who seemed great on paper, only to find they looked nothing like their photos, weren’t as funny in person, or the chemistry just wasn’t there.

Looking for a therapist in Chicago (or anywhere) can feel similar. Despite your best efforts, not every therapist will be the right fit. And that’s okay. Much like dating, finding a therapist involves risk, patience, and intentionality.

The good news? The right fit is out there. And every conversation along the way helps you get clearer about what matters to you. Just like you wouldn’t commit to a relationship after one date, you don’t have to commit to the first therapist you meet. Give yourself permission to explore until you find the therapist who feels right for you.

Here are some things to consider as you search for the right therapist in Chicago:

1. Experience Level

Good therapists come with all different backgrounds, trainings, and licensure levels. You might meet an LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor), an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), or a Psy.D (Doctor of Psychology). Don’t hesitate to ask a potential therapist about their training, licensure, and experience.

2. Specialization

Think about the main issues you want to work on. Are you navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, or life transitions? Therapists often have advanced training or certifications—like CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Choosing a therapist whose expertise matches your goals can make the process more effective.

3. Fit Matters

Research shows therapy is most effective when there’s a strong relationship between therapist and client. Therapy can be uncomfortable at times, so it’s crucial you feel safe and understood. Maybe you prefer a therapist who shares certain identities or life experiences—like gender, race, sexuality, or parenthood. Or maybe you’re drawn more to style and personality. Pay attention to how you feel in that first session. It’s okay to have preferences.

4. Insurance or Self-Pay

If you’re using insurance, make sure your therapist is in-network. Call your insurance company to confirm details like deductibles and co-pays. Many practices also offer self-pay options, sliding-scale fees, or reduced rates with interns. In Chicago, resources like Open Path Collective can be another affordable route.

5. Manage Expectations

A therapist isn’t a mind-reader, and therapy isn’t about magically fixing everything. Like any meaningful relationship, it takes time and effort. A helpful mindset is to look for a “good enough fit” rather than a “perfect match.” What matters most is that you feel supported, safe, and that the experience is meaningful.

6. Don’t Ghost (and Don’t Worry if You’re Ghosted)

Nobody likes to be ghosted—not in dating, and not in therapy. If you don’t feel it’s the right fit, it’s okay. A good therapist will help refer you to someone else who may be a better match.

 Finding the right therapist in Chicago is a journey, not a one-and-done task. It may take a few tries, but once you find the right fit, the investment in yourself is worth it. Therapy isn’t about fixing what’s broken—it’s about giving yourself the space to grow, heal, and live more authentically.

At Marra, we offer both in-person therapy in Chicago’s River West neighborhood and virtual therapy across Illinois. If you’ve been searching for therapist near me and are ready to start, our team is here to help you find the right fit for your journey.

We’ve all heard of dopamine—the so-called “feel-good chemical.” But dopamine is less about feeling good in the moment and more about motivation and drive. It’s what gets you out of bed, keeps you working toward goals, and makes everyday life feel rewarding.

Here’s the challenge: in our modern world, dopamine often gets hijacked. Quick hits like scrolling TikTok, online shopping, or eating sugar spike dopamine but leave us feeling depleted. That’s where the idea of a “dopamine menu” comes in. Instead of letting dopamine control us, we can intentionally choose how to engage with it—just like choosing from a menu.

At Marra, our approach to therapy in Chicago is integrative. We believe mental health is never just “in your head.” Your brain, body, and environment are all connected, and when you learn to work with that connection, everything starts to shift.

What’s on the Dopamine Menu?

Think of your dopamine menu as a mix of short-term snacks and long-term nourishment. Both have a place—but too much of the quick stuff leaves you burned out, while steady, intentional choices help you thrive.

Quick Hits (The Appetizers)

• Social media scrolling
• Sugar, caffeine, alcohol
• Online shopping
• Binge-watching

These give you an instant boost, but the crash usually follows fast. Too much from this “appetizer” section, and dopamine feels unbalanced—like you’re always chasing but never satisfied.

Sustainable Sources (The Entrées)

• Movement and exercise (a run by the lakefront, a yoga class, even a quick walk in the Chicago sun)
• Nourishing food that stabilizes blood sugar and mood
• Deep, meaningful conversations
• Learning something new
• Small daily wins (checking something off your to-do list)

These don’t always feel as flashy in the moment, but they build stronger dopamine pathways that support motivation and energy long-term.

Restorative Choices (The Dessert)

• Sleep (dopamine resets while you rest)
• Mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises
• Creative hobbies—painting, writing, music
• Gratitude and savoring—slowing down enough to notice what feels good

This part of the menu reminds your nervous system that rest and reflection are also rewarding.

Why It Matters for Your Mental Health

When dopamine gets out of balance, you might notice:

• Low motivation and energy
• Restlessness or feeling “addicted” to quick hits
• Trouble finding joy in things that used to feel good

Therapy can help you step back, take stock of what’s on your dopamine menu, and redesign it with intention. At Marra, we see this as part of the mind-body loop: your habits and biology affect your emotions, and your emotions influence the choices you make. Everything is circular.

If you’re reading this, chances are therapy has crossed your mind. Maybe you’ve thought about it for a while, or maybe someone close to you has suggested it. For many people, the words “going to therapy” can feel heavy. They can carry stigma, or even stir up feelings of defeat—like therapy is only for when something is “wrong.”

At Marra, we believe therapy is anything but that. Therapy isn’t a last resort; it’s a lifestyle choice. It’s an opportunity. It’s a commitment to knowing yourself better, strengthening your relationships, and learning how to navigate life with more intention and ease. Whether you’re looking for therapy in Chicago or prefer the flexibility of virtual therapy from home, the heart of therapy remains the same: it’s about creating space for you.

Instead of thinking, “I need to be fixed”—what if therapy was seen as an invitation to grow?

Here are some signs you might be ready to explore therapy:

• It’s been on your mind for a while, but you keep telling yourself “it’s not the right time” or “things are getting better.”
• You’re craving a deeper understanding of yourself and how your patterns affect your relationships—with both yourself and others.
• Conversations with friends and family help in the moment, but you find yourself circling back to the same feelings.
• You question whether you’re living as your most authentic self.
• You feel unsettled by past experiences and want to heal, make peace, or simply understand why certain triggers still show up.
• You’ve found yourself leaning on substances to cope with stress or emotions.

Here’s the truth: there is no “perfect” time to start therapy. Prioritizing yourself rarely comes with a neat calendar slot or green light from the outside world. The act of beginning is the shift.

Speaking not only as a therapist, but also as someone who has been in therapy myself—I can say this with confidence: choosing a safe space to explore, reflect, and grow will give back far more than it takes.

If you’ve been searching for therapists in Chicago or wondering if now is the time, know this: therapy isn’t about waiting for things to fall apart. It’s about giving yourself permission to live more fully, right now.

At Marra, our team offers both in-person therapy in Chicago’s River West neighborhood and convenient virtual therapy across Illinois. Whether you’re ready to take the first step or just curious about what therapy could look like for you, we’re here to help you start your journey.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the difference between manifesting and forcing something. They often get confused, especially when you’re holding a strong vision. Manifesting isn’t just about wishing; it’s about building momentum, acting as if, and steadily working toward the small goals that move you closer to where you want to be.

But as I’ve been going through a major restructure in my business, I’ve been forced to pause and look inward. I’ve started asking myself: at what point are we trying to force things into existence instead of allowing them to naturally unfold?

For much of my life, I’ve treated things like a game-like Monopoly, with stations to reach, properties to acquire, and people who would help me get to the next step. It was survival-driven. But in doing that, I didn’t always stop to ask: am I forcing this? Or does it genuinely feel aligned?

What I’ve noticed as a leader is that the hardest decisions often carry a deeper message. Maybe they feel so heavy not because they’re necessary but because they’re not aligned with what’s meant to manifest. Just because I want something doesn’t mean the path I’ve chosen is the right one. Sometimes the vision is right, but the pace is off. Or the approach is off.

For me, this season is about pausing. Reflecting. Letting my own body, the interoception, that deep inner sensing be the guide. Because maybe the real balance lies there: in listening, in noticing whether I’m building from force or from flow.

The takeaway: therapy offers us that pause. It’s a space where we can notice when we’re pushing too hard, when we’re aligning with what’s authentic, and when it’s time to let go of the timeline we thought we had to follow. Therapy helps us reconnect with that inner compass so we can move forward with both intention and ease.

The truth is: anxiety is manageable. With the right tools and strategies woven into your daily life, you can take back control instead of letting anxiety call the shots.

We all worry. But an anxiety disorder is different—it lingers, it interferes, and it leaves you feeling like you’re never fully at ease. Here are some common signs you may be dealing with more than everyday stress:

• Worrying takes up a large part of your day
• You feel tense, on edge, or like something bad is always about to happen
• You find yourself asking for constant reassurance from the people close to you
• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because your mind just won’t shut off
• Physical symptoms like muscle tension, digestive issues, racing heartbeat, sweating, or shortness of breath
• You recognize your anxious thoughts aren’t always rational—but knowing that doesn’t make them go away
• You feel on edge around others

If any of these resonate, it might be time to talk with someone who gets it.

How Anxiety Therapy Helps:

At Marra, we see therapy not as a last resort, but as a lifestyle—just as important as exercise, nutrition, or sleep. Anxiety therapy with us isn’t about “fixing” you. It’s about equipping you with the skills, self-awareness, and strategies to live with more clarity and calm.

Our therapists use evidence-based approaches—like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and IFS (Internal Family Systems)—while keeping it grounded, human, and relatable. Think of it as a collaborative space where you’re not judged, you’re supported. Together, we’ll:

• Build tools to quiet spiraling thoughts
• Learn to tune into your body’s signals before they snowball
• Unpack old patterns that keep fueling your anxiety
• Create a lifestyle framework that supports your well-being long term

Why Choose Marra?

We’re not just therapists—we’re partners in your growth. Our team is diverse, modern, and intentional. We believe therapy is for everyone, not just when you’re in crisis. And because we’re a group practice, you’ll have access to a variety of therapists with different approaches and specialties—so we can match you with the right fit.

Take the Next Step

If anxiety has been stealing your peace of mind, your sleep, or your focus, you don’t have to wait until it gets worse. Therapy is a proactive way to care for yourself—just like a check-up or annual exam.

✨ Book a consultation today and let us connect you with a therapist who feels like the right fit. We offer in person or virtual visits. If you have more questions, head to our FAQ page.