ABOUT
Marina James, MA, CBC
Bariatric Life Coaching, Counseling, and Hypnotherapy
Sessions can be done in person in Glenside, PA, or online.
Bariatric Life Coaching, Counseling, and Hypnotherapy
Sessions can be done in person in Glenside, PA, or online.
Hi, my name is Marina James.
I provide Bariatric pre-surgery evaluations, education and support, post-surgery counseling and bariatric life coaching.
My mission is to enable individuals to live to their full potential.
My talent is to see what is missing and how to make things work. This includes helping individuals realize what is needed in their lives to have a calm, peaceful life experience. I teach the tools to have a productive, work-life balance and a healthy lifestyle.
As a trained behavioral therapist, I can work with issues like food addictions/ disorders, anxiety, procrastination, PTSD, trauma, and relationships.
As a Life Coach, I bring clarity of mind. I provide and teach structure to get to your goals. I have many tools to help you accomplish more in less time, reducing anxiety, stress, and feeling overwhelmed.
I work with Bariatric patients, pre- and post-surgery. I provide evaluation for surgery clearance, educate of what to expect and teach best practices to succeed with your weight loss procedure. If you did not lose as much weight with bariatric surgery as you expected, or the weight is coming back, I will work with you to get to the bottom of the issue and create a plan to get you to the healthy weight lifestyle.
My goal is to help you get unstuck and break through the invisible barriers holding you back.
My Journey To Becoming A Bariatric Life Coach and Behavioral Therapist
I’m no different from the clients I see. Like everyone else, I’m human. I’ve been through wonderful and challenging experiences that have shaped who I am and how I help.
I came to the USA at fifteen.
I had to figure out my identity while learning a language and navigating a new culture.
For many years, I was a mother and ran a non-profit working with orphans in Ukraine. Marina’s Kids organization impacted the lives of thousands. When my 11 kids (yes, eleven) were teenagers and older, I realized that I was taking care of everyone and killing myself.
It took many years to realize that I must come before others, or there will not be an “I” to help others.
I also realized that I am the only one who can take care of me! This gave me direction in life that I still follow and bring to others.
At that time, in 2015, I was 290 lb and had no energy, little joy, and tons of physical pain. After bariatric surgery, I lost half of my body weight and found my whole self! I went back to college and continued my education.
I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree (2017-2019) and Master of Science (2019-2020) with honors. Right now, I am in a doctorate program, working towards a Ph.D. in psychology. For my doctorate dissertation, I am researching why some bariatric patients can lose weight and keep weight off while others struggle.
From 2020 until now, I have been a practicing Behavioral Health Therapist with private practice
My life experiences led me to become the Bariatric Life Coach and Behavioral Therapist I am today.
My Journey To Becoming A Bariatric Life Coach and Behavioral Therapist
I’m no different from the clients I see. Like everyone else, I’m human. I’ve been through wonderful and challenging experiences that have shaped who I am and how I help.
I came to the USA at fifteen.
I had to figure out my identity while learning a language and navigating a new culture.
For many years, I was a mother and ran a non-profit working with orphans in Ukraine. Marina’s Kids organization impacted the lives of thousands. When my 11 kids (yes, eleven) were teenagers and older, I realized that I was taking care of everyone and killing myself.
It took many years to realize that I must come before others, or there will not be an “I” to help others.
I also realized that I am the only one who can take care of me! This gave me direction in life that I still follow and bring to others.
I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree (2017-2019) and Master of Science (2019-2020) with honors. Right now, I am in a doctorate program, working towards a Ph.D. in psychology. For my doctorate dissertation, I am researching why some bariatric patients can lose weight and keep weight off while others struggle.
From 2020 until now, I have been a practicing Behavioral Health Therapist with private practice
My life experiences led me to become the Bariatric Life Coach and Behavioral Therapist I am today.
Helping People Is A Gift To Others, But Also Myself
Being a Bariatric Life Coach and a Behavioral Therapist is an honor.
I love guiding people toward figuring stuff out and witnessing them achieve more fulfilling lives.
The most rewarding thing about being a bariatric coach is knowing I had a part in helping someone else transform their life.
I am committed to helping you make progress toward your goals and a healthy lifestyle.
My promise to you: “You will leave every session refreshed, with the weight off your shoulders, and with clear steps to help you reach your goals.”
I will Guide You to Create the Life you Love
I have a natural ability to:
- Understand people's experiences
- Uncover what's under the surface
- Collaborate with people to set goals and help them reach them
- Help clients heal their past and manage the present
People who know me often say that I am a good listener who can be fully present for people’s stories, even if they are difficult stories.
I See Your Life from a Different Perspective!” - Discover Yours with Me!
I have a natural ability to:
- Understand people's experiences
- Uncover what's under the surface
- Collaborate with people to set goals and help them reach them
- Help clients heal their past and manage the present
People who know me often say that I am a good listener who can be fully present for people’s stories, even if they are difficult stories.
Our Sessions
Are Focused On You
Our Sessions Are Focused On You
Sessions will provide you with the space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and goals. In feeling safe and comfortable, you’ll be able to be yourself and explore your thoughts, feelings, and goals.
It’s important to me to provide a non-judgmental space where you can be yourself and focus on setting goals and working on reaching them together. There isn’t a “one size fits all” approach to Bariatric Life Coaching. Our sessions will fit your specific needs and concerns.
As A Bariatric Life Coach, I Embrace The Following Philosophies
- I believe that there is no shame in asking for help
- I believe that change is possible when you allow yourself the space to do the work
- I believe that coaching should address the person as a whole - their mind, body, and spirit
- I believe that people underestimate their ability to change. It's possible to change. It's possible to enjoy life again.
- I believe that the biggest thing standing in your way is the fear that life always has to be the way that it is now
My Professional Background
Until my younger children became teenagers my main job was being a mother and running Marina’s Kids non-profit organization, working with orphans in Ukraine.
I also had several small businesses, including a store front, that I sold or closed mostly because my family needed more time.
In 2017 I went back and completed my undergraduate degree in General Psychology (2019) from Regent University.
Shortly after I enrolled into Capella University and earned Master of Science in Psychology (2020).
From 2020 till now I have been a practicing Behavioral Health Therapist, with my own practice (www.marinajamestherapy.com).
Additionally, in 2020, I enrolled in Grand Canyon University into a doctorate program, and working towards PhD in General Psychology with emphasis on Cognition and Instruction. Expected Graduation Date: 2024.
Parallel to PhD studies I have been working on certification programs:
Certificate:
American Association of
Bariatric Counselors
(AABC)- 2021
Certificate:
IAP Career College
Certified Life
Coach- 2022
Certificate:
Mindvalley Certified
Hypnotherapist
2023
Let’s Discover How I Can Help
Ready to get clarity and a blueprint on how to reach your goals? If you feel lost in life and business on some level, unsure of how to find your way, business coaching could help.
Start now and discover ways to manage whatever life throws at you. During your discovery videocall you can start getting a feel for how I can help, and we can discuss next steps.