Dr. Mary Marano RP, DCP
Founder & CEO, Life & Family Counselling Services
Dr. Mary Marano is an accomplished psychotherapist, thought leader, and innovator in the field of counselling, with over three decades of dedicated experience supporting individuals, couples, and families in achieving personal growth and relational well-being. As the Founder and CEO of Life & Family Counselling Services, she has built a practice renowned for its commitment to excellence, evidence-based interventions, and client-centred care.
Holding a Doctorate in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Dr. Marano combines extensive clinical expertise with a deep commitment to professional development, ensuring that her clients benefit from the most current and effective therapeutic approaches. She is widely recognized for her compassionate, collaborative, and insightful approach, guiding clients through complex challenges while fostering resilience, self-awareness, and meaningful transformation.
Dr. Marano’s practice emphasizes creating a safe, empathetic space where clients can explore emotions, navigate life transitions, and cultivate authentic relationships. Through individual therapy, couples counselling, and family sessions, she empowers clients to unlock their potential, strengthen their connections, and embrace lasting change. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that while she does not undertake the journey for her clients, she serves as a trusted companion, providing guidance, support, and encouragement every step of the way.
A passionate advocate for mental health and personal development, Dr. Marano inspires those she works with to move from moments of uncertainty to clarity and renewed optimism. She approaches her work with the conviction that change is not merely a skill—it is a conscious choice, and that every individual possesses the capacity to create a fulfilling and balanced life.
“Change is not a skill. Change is a choice. You are amazing. Remember that.”
Beyond Work Hours: Outside of her clinical work, Dr. Marano channels her creativity in imaginative pursuits and has a longstanding interest in special effects makeup—a testament to her innovative and multifaceted approach to life.
Words from Mary.
Words from Mary.
This is My Story.
My journey began in a challenging childhood, where I often felt small, insignificant, and alone.
Growing up in an emotionally unsafe environment, I worked tirelessly to protect myself. These feelings followed me into adulthood, affecting my marriage, parenting, and career. However, I want to emphasize that I am no different from you. Change is not a skill; it is a choice. You do not need to be in crisis to embark on a journey of self-discovery. In fact, I encourage you to get excited about your life and join me in exploring the unknown aspects of your subconscious.
Today, I am widely recognized as the “Do or Die Relationship Doctor” due to my exceptional reputation for transforming lives and relationships. With three decades of experience in the field, over 10,000 hours of academic study, three specialist degrees, and more than 72,000 hours of direct client work, I am a proven expert. I take my work seriously and am dedicated to effecting real change in people’s lives. I firmly believe in the potential for transformation and strive to inspire individuals to explore new possibilities they may not have considered.
My commitment to you is to walk alongside you and navigate this journey together.
For many years, I was my clients’ best-kept secret.
Working out of my home office, I witnessed remarkable transformations: marriages flourishing, mental health improving, symptoms of anxiety and depression disappearing, and individuals reconnecting with their children and rebuilding trust within themselves. My clients affectionately call me their “friendapist,” a term I cherish as it signifies the trust and safety they feel in sharing their most intimate thoughts and feelings with me—a privilege I do not take for granted.
As a scientist-practitioner, elite performance coach and relationship expert, I have been the channel that catapults you into your adult life fully, at first calling you out gently on who and what is more of the problem. I do not mess around with your life so if you need a good nudge or push or reality check, I’m your person. I help people transform the way they think feel and behave in their relationships. Often, I am the last resort therapist and known for restoring hope, and connection so you can reclaim your life and relationship.
I am not any different than you.
Mother to Over 80 Children
3 children are my own, and we have fostered over 80 additional children through the years. Being in a family dynamic like this has given me deep insights into behaviour patterns and the way we relate to our loved ones.
I’m determined to change relationships, one relationship at a time.
