Marlene Pena, LCSW
Crisis Counselor
Areas of Special Interest
BIPOC and historically marginalized communities, racism/race-related stress, first-generation students, anxiety disorders, and life transitions.
Languages Spoken
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English
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Spanish
What to Expect When Working with Me
I am committed to creating a warm, compassionate, and collaborative space where students can feel safe and supported. I utilize a trauma informed, culturally responsive, and relational approach because I am a firm believer in that trust, authentic expression, and safety are essential for healing and restoring wellness.
Students can expect to be met with respect, empathy, and guidance as we work together on their individualized goals. I draw from various evidence-based modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), tailoring my approach to each student’s needs.
Education and Training
Master of Social Work | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Practice + Consultation Fellowship | University of Chicago | 2023 – 2024
What I do at the Counseling Center
As a crisis counselor, I:
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Provide initial consultations, crisis support, and brief individual therapy to UIC undergraduate and graduate students
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Facilitate outreach programming to provide UIC students, staff, and faculty with psychoeducation and community resources
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Provide single session appointments to students who may just need a brief check-in
About Me
Hola! I am a first-generation Mexican-American who grew up on the south side of Chicago. In my free time, I enjoy taking long walks, running, reading, listening to podcasts, grabbing coffee with friends, and creating art.