Meet Dr. Marlene Shiple

Your Compassionate Guide on Your Journey Through Grief and Transition

When people ask how long I've been doing this work, I often smile and say, "I started my first practice in 1975, but I hesitate to say it's been 50 years because I can't quite comprehend that myself."

The truth is, I've never considered what I do as "work." Supporting others on their healing journey isn't a job—it's my passion, my purpose, and my greatest joy.

  • Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology with 40+ years of therapeutic experience 

  • Multiple Certified Specializations
    including Hypnotherapy, Grief Therapy, Trauma Therapy,
    and Sex Therapy (AASECT member) 

  • Amazon Best-Selling Author and
    Creator of "The Grief Healing Pathway" program 

  • Professional Memberships in the
    American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association, and American Psychotherapy Association 

"I believe healing happens when we honor grief as a testament to love,while gently creating space for joy to return." 
– Dr. Marlene

My professional journey began after helping provide research assistance for the Alcohol Safety Action Project in Phoenix. This experience opened my eyes to how deeply people need compassionate, skilled guidance during life's difficult transitions. 

From there, I taught psychology in the Maricopa County community college system, worked as a Drug Counselor and Family Therapist in Houston, and ultimately built two client-service businesses that have spanned nearly five decades. 

I've witnessed countless transformations as clients move from overwhelming pain to purposeful living, not by "getting over" their loss, but by learning to carry their love forward in meaningful ways. 

When I’m not guiding clients through their healing journeys, I serve as a Disaster Mental Health member with the American Red Cross (since 1992) and currently chair our region’s Outprocessing Committee.

My Unique Approach
to Healing Grief 

While most grief approaches rely solely on talk therapy or behavioral interventions, I understand that true healing must reach the subconscious mind. That’s where deep-seated grief, guilt, and limiting beliefs often reside. 

My approach is different because: 

  1. I access the subconscious mind

    
through Hypnotherapy, allowing us to release emotional blockages that keep 
you trapped in cycles of pain  

  2. I create emotionally safe spaces
    where you feel heard, honored, and gently supported without judgment 

  3. I blend scientific understanding with spiritual wisdom

    recognizing that healing happens on all levels -- mind, body, emotions, and spirit

  4. I provide practical tools and guidance

    that help you navigate grief while maintaining your professional responsibilities 

  5. I honor your unique journey,
    recognizing that grief isn't something to "fix," 
but rather a path to be walked with compassion and care 

My Core Philosophy 

Healing is sacred, personal, and entirely possible. I believe: 

My approach is different because: 

  • Grief is love transformed. 
    It honors the depth of your connection and doesn't need to be "overcome"—it needs to be integrated with compassion.   

  • The subconscious mind holds the key to profound healing.
    By accessing these deeper levels, we can release emotional blockages and reprogram limiting beliefs
    that keep you stuck. 

  • Small steps lead to meaningful transformation.
    Healing happens gradually, through gentle practices that honor where you are while inviting growth at your own pace. 

  • You deserve to experience joy again, without guilt.
    Finding moments of peace and purpose doesn't dishonor your loved one; it carries their love forward. 

  • Healing happens through relationships.
    You don't have to walk this path alone. The connection we build creates a safe container for your transformation. 

Let’s connect

If you're experiencing grief or a significant life transition, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can create a path forward that honors your emotions while gently opening space for peace and purpose to return. 

Download for free and: 

  • Create a safe space for reflection where your emotions are honored without judgment or expectations 

  • Understand your unique grief journey through guided journaling prompts and gentle exercises

  • Discover practical comfort rituals to preserve your loved one's memory 

  • Use 8 gentle questions to rediscover your peace at your own pace