We recently connected with Marie Yarrington and have shared our conversation below.
Marie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?
My journey to becoming a mental health therapist with my own practice has been deeply personal and transformative. A couple years ago, I experienced a high-risk pregnancy with my twin daughters, which led to a lengthy and emotional NICU stay. Those months were some of the hardest of my life—filled with fear, uncertainty, and moments of overwhelming hope.
My daughters were given a 40% chance of survival. We endured a 5-week hospital stay during pregancy, a 99 day NICU stay and countless hospital visits following.
During that time, I struggled to find the kind of support I truly needed, both as a mother navigating the NICU and as a person dealing with the emotional toll of it all. That experience lit a fire in me to help others who are walking similar paths.
After my daughters came home and began to thrive, I returned to my career as a therapist with a renewed sense of purpose. Eventually, I took the leap to start my own practice, focusing on supporting individuals and families navigating high-risk pregnancies, NICU journeys, and the emotional challenges that come with parenting in difficult circumstances.
It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to turn my personal experiences into a source of strength and support for others. I’m passionate about helping clients feel seen, validated, and empowered, no matter how complex or overwhelming their situations may seem.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m the founder of Where Flowers Bloom Counseling, LLC, a practice inspired by my own journey through a high-risk pregnancy and a long NICU stay with my daughters. That experience deeply shaped me—not only as a person but as a therapist. I saw firsthand how isolating and overwhelming those moments could be, and I knew I wanted to create a space where others facing similar challenges could find support, validation, and hope.
At Where Flowers Bloom Counseling, I specialize in working with individuals navigating high-risk pregnancies, NICU experiences, postpartum challenges, and the emotional complexities of parenthood. I also support clients struggling with anxiety, life transitions, and the weight of overwhelming emotions. My approach is rooted in compassion, understanding, and evidence-based care, helping clients process their experiences, build resilience, and move forward in ways that feel authentic to them.
What sets my practice apart is the deeply personal connection I bring to this work. I don’t just understand these challenges from a clinical perspective—I’ve lived them. That lived experience allows me to create a space where clients feel truly seen and supported in ways that traditional therapy might not always provide.
I’m most proud of the impact Where Flowers Bloom Counseling has had in helping people feel less alone. My hope is that anyone who walks through my (virtual or physical) doors knows that healing is possible, even in the hardest seasons of life. If you’re struggling, you don’t have to navigate it alone—I’m here to walk with you on your journey toward growth, healing, and hope.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Without a doubt, I would choose this profession and specialty again. While the journey that led me here was incredibly difficult, it also gave me a deep sense of purpose. Experiencing a high-risk pregnancy and a long NICU stay with my daughters changed me—it reshaped not only how I see the world but how I connect with others in their most vulnerable moments.
Being a therapist, especially in this specialty, allows me to turn my own struggles into something meaningful. Every day, I have the privilege of walking alongside people who feel lost, overwhelmed, or alone, and I get to offer them the support I once longed for myself. That’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything.
If I could go back, I might tell myself to take the leap into private practice sooner, but I wouldn’t change the path I took to get here. Every challenge along the way made me the therapist I am today, and I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Other than training and knowledge, I believe the most important qualities for succeeding as a therapist—especially in my field—are empathy, authenticity, and resilience.
Empathy is at the heart of this work. Clients don’t just need techniques and coping strategies; they need to feel seen, heard, and understood. Being able to truly sit with someone in their pain, without rushing to “fix” things, is one of the most powerful aspects of therapy.
Authenticity is also key. Clients can sense when a therapist is being real with them, and that trust is essential for meaningful work. I bring my full self into sessions—not just as a professional, but as a person who has experienced struggles of my own. That human connection helps clients feel safe in their healing journey.
Resilience is crucial because this work can be emotionally heavy. To truly show up for clients, therapists need to take care of their own mental and emotional well-being. Practicing what I encourage in my clients—setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and seeking support when needed—allows me to continue doing this work with energy and compassion.
Ultimately, success in this field isn’t just about expertise—it’s about showing up with heart, creating a safe space for others, and remaining committed to growth, both for yourself and for the people you serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.whereflowersbloom-counseling.com
- Instagram: @whereflowersbloomcounseling
Image Credits
@alexispettersonphotography