Rooted in Connection. Growing with Intention.

Young woman with long dark hair, wearing a blue dress, smiling, standing in front of a beige and cream-colored fabric backdrop.

Meet Tristan

Hi, I’m Tristan Marcus (she/her), a licensed therapist (LCSW) in Florida. I specialize in supporting adults in their 20s and 30s as they navigate trauma, anxiety, and the challenges of early adulthood.

My path to becoming a therapist was rooted in a deep belief: that healing happens through connection, compassion, and growth. Over the years, I’ve seen how transformative it can be when someone feels truly understood and supported in their journey. That’s the kind of space I aim to create in every session.

Education & Credentials

    • Bachelor of Social Work, University of Central Florida, 2020

    • Master of Social Work, University of Central Florida, 2021

    • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida, License #SW22244

    • Animal Assisted Therapy Interventionist Level One, Animal Assisted Therapy of the Triangle NC, 2021

    • EMDR Basic Training, Connect EMDR, 2023

    • Member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

My Approach

My goal is to create a safe, collaborative space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered in your healing journey. I believe therapy is not about quick fixes, but about building real connection and discovering the tools that help you move forward with intention.

Therapy with me is personal, real, and human. I use a person-centered approach, which means I believe you are the expert of your own story. My role is to walk alongside you as we explore your experiences, challenges, and strengths.

I integrate the importance of holistic wellness with evidence-based practices. Depending on your needs, our work may include:

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma healing and reprocessing negative beliefs about self and/or the world.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for shifting unhelpful thought patterns and easing anxiety.

  • Mindfulness-based practices to reduce stress, build coping tools, and increase self-awareness.

As part of the modern therapist generation, I don’t believe in being a blank slate. Instead, I bring a collaborative, relational approach to our sessions, creating genuine human connection that supports your healing, growth, and resilience.

Every person’s path is unique, and together we’ll find an approach that feels authentic, compassionate, and sustainable for you.

The Heart of My Practice

Healing begins in a space where you feel seen, heard, and understood.

I became a therapist because I believe no one should navigate life’s challenges alone. I’ve seen firsthand how experiences like trauma, loss, and anxiety can affect a person’s sense of self and ability to move forward. These experiences have shown me the transformative power of support, connection, and compassionate guidance, and being able to walk alongside clients as they find relief, resilience, and hope is what makes this work so meaningful to me.

The People I Support

I specialize in working with adults in their 20s and 30s who are navigating trauma, anxiety, and the challenges of early adulthood. Many clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by past experiences, stuck in patterns of stress or worry, or unsure of how to balance life’s pressures with their own growth.

Whether you’re seeking support for trauma healing, anxiety management, or navigating challenging life experiences, I provide a compassionate space to explore, process, and move forward with intention.

A collage of a cozy breakfast scene with a steaming cup of coffee, an open book, and a jar candle, combined with a modern Pilates studio with reformer machines, brick wall, and large arch window.

Beyond The Therapy Room

Balance, connection, and intentional living are at the heart of both my life and my practice.

When I’m not working, I spend time reading fiction books (always looking for recommendations!) with a coffee in hand, taking pilates or yoga classes, playing with my dogs in the backyard, and trying new restaurants with my family and friends. These parts of my life help me stay grounded and remind me of the importance of balance, connection, and intentional living — the same values I bring into therapy.

Meet the Balanced Grove Therapy Dogs

The human-animal bond is an integral part of creating a safe, welcoming environment where clients can relax, process, and grow.

A woman with long dark hair smiling while kneeling outdoors, holding a golden retriever dog with its tongue out, in front of a garden with bushes and a white fence.

Gentle and comforting, Maya helps clients feel at ease and supported during sessions.

A young woman in a blue dress holding a golden retriever puppy outside near green bushes, with a close-up of the puppy's face and a portion of the woman visible in the background.

Playful yet attentive, Josie brings warmth and lightness to the therapy space.