M.J. Klimenko began working with Sculptor, Manuel Neri, in 1972, both as a model and collaborator on limited edition books. They currently have three books in print, SHE SAID, I TELL YOU IT DOESN’T HURT ME, published by Brighton Press, TERRITORY, published by Brighton Press, and CROSSINGS, published by Peter Koch Printers. In 2005, The Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco presented an exhibition of all three books. Klimenko and Neri lecture and hold seminars on collaboration in art at universities and museums throughout the United States.

Her time is divided between her private practice in Benicia, California, writing three days a week at her ranch in the Sierra Foothills, and continuing to work one day a week with Neri. She has been published in many literary magazines including Cimarron Review, Willow Review, Wisconsin Review, The Berkeley Poetry Review, South Dakota Review, Limestone magazine, Kaliope, Diner, Sulphur River Literary Review, Oxford Magazine, Gargoyle, Green Hills Literary Lantern, Fox Cry Review, The Bitter Oleander and Spire.

MJ has worked extensively with personal and business communications issues, creative blocks and creative development, self-esteem, relationships, substance abuse, anxiety disorder, adult attention hyperactivity disorder, depression, and individuation and development of the true self.

There are two areas of psychology that MJ is particularly interested in: The needs and issues of both the senior population that she feels is largely neglected and people with relationship issues. She would like to develop a new paradigm for seniors where aging is not counting one's illnesses and hoping not to die soon but rather learning about and managing a new life stage that is exciting and enjoyable. She believes seniors have been forced to accept the model of aging that other people find appropriate rather than assessing and developing the needs of each older person to help them live out and enjoy themselves in whatever they find most pleasing. Also, she has helped many people find that special person to share a life with and has helped, over a twenty year period,  people who have difficulty with intimate relationships whether it's finding the right partner or repairing an existing relationship.

She consults and coaches at the management level for businesses, helps individuals attain their personal goals, as well as practicing in-office psychotherapy and hypnotherapy. During the course of her career, MJ has formulated an approach that involves bridging the gap between the medical models and seeing clients once a week, which is often, too long a time span between contact. The Internet offers her an opportunity to have frequent contact with clients for shorter or longer periods than traditional sessions and are designed specifically for the individual’s needs. She currently works with people in all areas of the country and is able to arrange times that suit the needs of her clients.