Meet Annika Marshall, PhD, LMFT

Hi, I’m Annika (pronounced On-Ik-Ah) to my clients,
or Dr. Marshall to my students.

I am a full-time faculty member at Pepperdine University, where I teach in both the Psychology Program and the Clinical Psychology Program with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I’ve been a professor for five years and have been practicing as a therapist since 2016.

My specialty is couples and relationship therapy, where I bring a compassionate, insight-oriented approach to helping people strengthen their intimate connections. I have a particular passion for working with young adults as they navigate identity, purpose, and relationships. As a wife and momma to twin toddlers, I also have firsthand insight into the complexities of parenthood, partnership, and what it takes for couples to thrive after kids.

Education

  • PhD in Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia (2016-2020)

  • MA in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, Pepperdine University (2014-2016)

  • BS in Family Studies and BS in Psychology, Weber State University (2010-2014)

License Information & Therapy Specializations

California (#146725)

Utah (#13475111-3902)

South Carolina (#7983)

In my therapeutic practice, I utilize:

  • Attachment Theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

  • Existential / Humanistic

  • Gottman Method

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Communication Theory and Education

Professional Experiences

I have had many roles that have contributed to my expertise helping people. I have:

  • Taught 12 different therapy models to graduate clinicians

  • Developed and taught relationship education courses for couples and single parents

  • Hosted grief groups for children who have lost their parents due to death and children who are experiencing divorce in their families

  • Served as a racial and social justice advocate for Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM)

  • Completed a two year practicum at an intensive outpatient program for people with severe mental illness and coexisting substance use disorder

  • Worked as an overnight care staff at a luxury in-patient mental health treatment facility

My therapeutic presence is enriched by my personal experiences as a mother to twin toddlers and a wife to a loving partner (we just celebrated 8 years together). Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time at the beach, playing tennis, thrifting, exploring estate sales, and delving into podcasts and books on culture and relationship dynamics.