Relationship & Parenting Therapy
With markerra In Georgia & Florida
Are you feeling stuck, like you’re doing everything you can to make things work in your relationships, but nothing seems to change? Maybe you’ve tried communicating better, being more understanding, or even reading up on attachment styles, but the same conflicts keep coming up, and you’re starting to wonder if it’s something about you that’s holding things back. You’re tired of the anxiety that comes with feeling like you’re just one step away from it all falling apart. You want to get out of this cycle, learn to set boundaries that don’t feel like walls, and finally break free from the old patterns that keep you from having the kind of connection you want.
Welcome, I’m Markerra!
and I help people like you make sense of where things are getting tangled in their relationships—whether it’s with a partner, family, or even yourself. If you’re ready to unpack what’s holding you back and find a different way forward, let’s talk. Together, we’ll get you to a place where you feel confident and secure, knowing you’re showing up as your best self, no matter what comes your way.
For the Parent Seeking Therapy for Themselves or Their LGBTQ Teen
If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out how to best support your teen while dealing with your own concerns, you’re not alone in feeling a little lost. Maybe your child just came out, and you’re wondering how to be the safe, understanding parent they need—or maybe you’re worried about the pressure they’re facing from peers or society. On top of that, there’s the added stress of navigating co-parenting or making sure your own emotional baggage isn’t spilling over into your relationship with your kids. I work with parents who want to do more than just “get by” when it comes to their family. I help you find the confidence to support your child fully and make sense of your own feelings and challenges so they don’t get in the way of being the parent you want to be. And if your teen is struggling, I’m here to provide a space where they feel heard and validated, helping them build the resilience they need to navigate whatever comes their way.
My clients often present with concerns Like:
Struggles with not feeling like a "good enough"
Feelings of guilt for not making "good" decisions about relationships and partners
Feeling stuck due to fear of doing the wrong thing
Thinking they are unlovable because of divorce or breakups
Difficulty communicating within their coparenting relationship without arguments
Wanting to avoid passing on past childhood hurts to children
Frustration about relationship options
Constantly beating themselves up
Coping with anxiety and stressors that come along with identifying within the LGBTQIA+ community
Trainings: Prepare & Enrich for Premarital and Couples Counseling
Therapy Specialties
Go from Feeling:
Worry about repeating dysfunctional patterns you saw in your family growing up
Anxiety around feeling unworthy of love or being abandoned
Fear of repeating negative patterns from past relationships
Guilt about your reactions during arguments and difficulty to communicate effectively
Confusion about how to set boundaries without feeling like you’re pushing others away
To Feeling:
Able to build healthier, more fulfilling relationships
More secure in your attachment and less anxious in your intimate partner relationships
Confident to use effective communication skills and boundary-setting strategies
Healed from your past relationship wounds
An improvement in your growth and self-esteem
Coparenting after Separation or Divorce
Newly separated or divorced parents who are navigating coparenting often face a range of fears and concerns as they adjust to their new family dynamic. I help my clients not only grieve the loss of the relationship and the life they imagined for themselves, but work through:
Conflict with the Ex
The impact the separation has had on the children
The loss of some control with parenting decisions
Financial concerns and adjustments
Feelings of loneliness and isolation
These dynamics after separation are common among newly divorced parents, but with time, communication, and support, many parents that I support, find ways to successfully navigate coparenting and prioritize their children's well-being
More about Me
My Approach
I will provide a space for you to unpack the things that are making you anxious, without fear of sounding like a broken record or “weak”. I will work with you to repair any dips in your self esteem they have experienced due to your relationship history and adequately heal so that these past hurts don’t follow you into your new relationships.
My therapeutic approach is person-centered theory. My goal is to meet you where you are. In our sessions, we will explore your current stressors, your past and barriers to becoming your best self. My work with clients is about creating a safe space to share and promote growth.
My Therapy Approaches
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Person-Centered Therapy:
Person-Centered Therapy is all about creating a space where you feel truly heard, seen, and understood. In our sessions, you set the agenda, and I’m here to meet you where you are. This approach is built on the belief that you are the expert on your own life, and that meaningful change happens when you feel genuinely supported and accepted. Together, we’ll explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment, helping you gain clarity, build self-confidence, and trust in your own ability to navigate life’s challenges.
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Prepare & Enrich for (Pre)Marial Counseling:
Prepare and Enrich is a structured, research-based approach designed to help couples—whether they’re newly engaged, married, or simply seeking to improve their relationship—build a stronger foundation. It involves a comprehensive assessment that uncovers your relationship's strengths and areas for growth. From there, we’ll work through tailored exercises and discussions that foster better communication, conflict resolution, and emotional connection. This approach isn’t just about identifying problems; it’s about giving you the tools and insights to grow closer, understand each other more deeply, and create the partnership you both desire.
“Regardless of how you identify, you are an amazing human being - so let’s start there.”
— Markerra Larkin, LAPC, Parenting Coach
My Background
I graduated from Mercer University with a degree in Clinical Mental Health counseling. I’m an Associate Professional Counselor, under the supervision of Tangela Morris,LPC, CPCS. I have experience in providing individual and group therapy. I also have experience working in a variety of settings including community mental health agencies and addictions counseling.
Q&A with Markerra
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I can work with Georgia & Florida residents, and my rates are as follows: Intake Sessions are $175 for 60 minutes, Individual Therapy sessions are $150 for 53 minutes, and $115 for 45 minutes. I also offer a free 15-minute consultation to help us determine if we’re a good fit before you commit. I accept insurance from Aetna and Cigna, so if you’re covered by one of these providers, therapy costs may be partially or fully covered by your plan.
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I understand how frustrating it can be to feel like you’re doing everything right and still ending up in the same place. In our sessions, we’ll get to the root of these patterns—whether they come from past trauma, attachment issues, or learned behaviors—and figure out what's keeping you stuck. I’ll help you develop new ways of thinking and behaving that align with the healthy, fulfilling relationships you’re looking for. Together, we'll identify and practice the skills that will help you navigate conflict, communicate effectively, and build deeper connections.
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It’s completely normal to feel anxious about starting therapy, especially when everything feels overwhelming. My approach is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can bring whatever’s on your mind, no matter how big or small. We’ll work together to identify what’s driving your anxiety and tackle it from a practical, real-world perspective. Therapy isn't a magic fix, but it is a process that can help you gain clarity, feel more grounded, and develop tools to manage the stress and anxiety that’s been weighing you down.
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I hear this concern a lot. Setting boundaries can feel intimidating, especially when you’re used to being the “strong” one or the person everyone relies on. But here’s the truth: boundaries aren’t about pushing people away—they’re about creating healthier relationships where you feel respected and valued. I’ll guide you on how to set boundaries that feel right for you and help you manage the guilt or fear that might come with this change. You deserve to have relationships where you aren’t constantly drained or resentful.
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Supporting your teen as they navigate their identity, especially within the LGBTQ community, can be challenging, and it’s okay to feel unsure about how to help. I offer a space where your teen can express themselves openly, without fear of judgment. I also work with parents to build understanding and provide strategies for fostering a safe, supportive environment at home. Together, we’ll work on building your confidence as a parent, ensuring that your teen feels seen, heard, and loved for exactly who they are.
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I get it—sometimes it can feel like there’s just too much to unpack, and the thought of opening up feels overwhelming. But therapy isn’t about diving into everything all at once. We’ll go at your pace, focusing on what feels most important or urgent for you. I’m here to help you feel less burdened by the weight of your past, finding ways to move forward without letting those old wounds dictate your present and future.
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Absolutely. Co-parenting can be incredibly stressful, especially if communication with your co-parent is strained. In therapy, we’ll explore ways to communicate more effectively, manage conflict, and create a more stable environment for your children. I’ll help you find ways to prioritize your own well-being while also being the supportive parent you want to be. We can work on strategies to ensure you don’t feel stuck in the same old arguments and help you feel more in control of your co-parenting journey.
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The length of therapy varies from person to person, depending on your goals and the challenges you're facing. Some clients start to notice changes in a few sessions, while others might take longer. My commitment is to help you see meaningful progress by working at a pace that feels right for you and focusing on the issues that matter most to you. We'll regularly check in on your goals to ensure you feel therapy is benefiting you.
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It’s completely normal to feel nervous about your first session. During our initial meeting, I’ll ask you some questions to get to know you, your concerns, and what you’re hoping to achieve in therapy. We’ll talk about what’s been going on in your life and what you’re comfortable sharing. There’s no pressure to dive into anything too deep right away—this is your time and space, and I’m here to support you however you need. My goal is to make you feel comfortable and heard from the very beginning.
How Therapy at PORT Works
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Inquire
Use our online contact form and let us know which of our Therapists you would like to work with. We will promptly connect you to your preferred provider for your brief free phone consultation. We want to go the extra mile to make sure you feel comfortable from the start.
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Get to the Root
Your therapy will likely start out with having sessions either weekly or biweekly. With your Therapist, you will get a better understanding of your presenting concerns and how they came about. Your therapist will also help you assess your level of coping and teach you additional strategies.
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Do the Work
The bulk of your experience will be in doing the work, both in & out of sessions. You will work through implementing techniques to improve your mood and engagement in relationships in session, while completing tasks assigned by your therapist to further your progress.
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Have Better Relationships
This is the point where you get to be #RelationshipGoals. You are having fewer therapy sessions and experiencing emotional healing from past relationship trauma. You are in a place where you are feeling more competent to handle whatever comes next.