Marena Hughes, M.S., MFT is an adjunct professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Oregon Tech and a proud alumna of the same program. She brings a wealth of clinical expertise and academic insight, with her professional focus on both clinical practice and research. Marena is the owner of a thriving private practice where she works with individuals, couples, and families to address a wide range of issues, including infidelity, grief, trauma, medical challenges, and parenting concerns.
Marena’s clinical approach integrates the foundational principles of Family Systems Theory and Attachment Theory. She is passionate about helping students navigate the complexities of human relationships, believing strongly that both problems and solutions are rooted in relational dynamics. In the therapy room and the classroom, Marena strives to create a supportive and empathetic space where participants feel empowered to actively engage.
In addition to her private practice, Marena is dedicated to advancing the field of Marriage and Family Therapy through research. Her research interests include the intersections of family dynamics, trauma recovery, and mental health in underserved populations. As an advocate for these communities, Marena has focused much of her clinical work and outreach on increasing access to quality mental health care for marginalized groups, ensuring that mental health services are both inclusive and equitable.
Her credentials include certifications in Integrated Behavioral Healthcare & Medical Family Therapy, Brainspotting, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), which enhance her expertise in addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of mental health. In the classroom, Marena is committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity, critical thinking, and professional development for future therapists.