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Marley Toben, LCSW
she/they

Life has a way of molding us into who we've had to be instead of who we authentically are. If you grew up with emotionally immature parents, you learned early on to anticipate upset, shrink yourself, or take on responsibilities that were never yours. Now, you might find yourself stuck in old patterns—choosing relationships that feel eerily familiar, second-guessing your needs, or feeling like you’re never quite enough. I work with people who are ready to go deeper, to stop running on the autopilot of their past and start making intentional choices about how they relate to themselves and others. Therapy with me isn’t about surface-level strategies; it’s about dismantling the stories that no longer serve you and authoring your own life.

For couples and polycules, I help partners untangle the ways their childhood survival strategies are still running the show—how one person’s need for control collides with another’s fear of abandonment, how deeply ingrained defenses make true connection feel just out of reach. We won’t just talk about “communication skills”; we’ll look at what’s really happening beneath the surface. Relationships work best when each person is attuned to both their own emotional world and their partner’s. My job is to help you move past knee-jerk reactions and into a more conscious, intentional way of relating.

 

Whether you're LGBTQ+, engaging in ethical non-monogamy, or simply looking to move beyond traditional relationship roles, this work is about rethinking the rules and expectations you were handed and deciding, with clarity and intention, what actually fits.

Contact

LET'S CONNECT: 919-502-0033

MARLEY@HALFMOONMENTALHEALTH.COM

Marley Toben LCSW

I approach this work with deep curiosity and a commitment to honesty. While I take my work seriously, I don't take myself too seriously—so expect me to be irreverent and to show my cards. I won’t let you flail while I politely nod from behind a clipboard, nor will I offer feel-good platitudes that don’t hold up outside of session. Instead, we’ll engage in a collaborative process where you get to be fully seen—not just as someone struggling, but as someone capable of profound growth. I'll hold you warmly and show my utmost respect for you by walking the walk and being deeply human along with you.

More about Marley:

  • Most excited to travel to next:

  • Croatia! I've been watching old seasons of Below Deck: Mediterranean and  🤤

  • Favorite Movie:

  • Fried Green Tomatoes - I think this one officially qualifies as an oldie, but a goodie. It serves up anachronic storytelling of bad*ss women living in the 1920s and 1980s, swoon-worthy queer overtones, Towanda the amazing Amazon woman, bee charmers, and cellophane lingerie with a side of murder. This movie warms your heart and wrenches it. 

  • Dog's Name:

  • Gilbert - after What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? (another oldie but goodie). He is an 11yo cattle dog / chow mix and his personality is: cucumber

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