Meet Annika Marshall, PhD, LMFT
Hi, I’m Annika (pronounced On-Ik-Ah) to my clients,
or Dr. Marshall to my students.
When I graduated from the University of Georgia in 2020 with my PhD in Human Development and Family Science, I landed my first job as an Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy and Associate Clinical Director at the only COAMFTE accredited Marriage and Family Therapy program in South Carolina. There, I spent three years as a professor and clinical supervisor training future therapists. I also founded a private practice and completed a fellowship in community mental health.
When I became pregnant with identical twin girls (absolute shocker, and no they don’t run in our families!!) I relocated to Orange County, California with my husband and daughters to be closer to our family support system. I now teach therapists in training at Pepperdine University (my alma mater) and will teach for the University of Southern California (USC) this summer.
I launched this private practice, OC Relationships, to continue to provide therapy to a select group of clients. I specialize in couples and relationship therapy, offering a compassionate approach to understanding and healing intimate connections. I have a unique knack for working with young adults figuring our their own paths, identities, and relationships. As a momma to twin toddlers and wife, I also deeply understand mom stress, marriage, and thriving in couples’ relationships post-babies.
Education
PhD in Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia (2020)
MA in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, Pepperdine University (2016)
BS in Family Studies and BS in Psychology, Weber State University (2014)
License Information & Therapy Specializations
California (#146725)
Utah (#13475111-3902)
South Carolina (#7983)
In my therapeutic practice, I utilize:
Attachment Theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Existential / Humanistic
Gottman Method
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Communication Theory and Education
Professional Experiences
I have had many roles that have contributed to my expertise helping people. I have:
Taught 12 different therapy models to graduate clinicians
Developed and taught relationship education courses for couples and single parents
Hosted grief groups for children who have lost their parents due to death and children who are experiencing divorce in their families
Served as a racial and social justice advocate for Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM)
Completed a two year practicum at an intensive outpatient program for people with severe mental illness and coexisting substance use disorder
Worked as an overnight care staff at a luxury in-patient mental health treatment facility
My therapeutic presence is enriched by my personal experiences as a mother to twin toddlers and a wife to a loving partner (we just celebrated 8 years together). Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time at the beach, playing tennis, thrifting, exploring estate sales, and delving into podcasts and books on culture and relationship dynamics.
