Different than most other therapists they’ve met! They often say our work together fosters deep insight into their experience, while also developing the skills they need to break past patterns and navigate the world as their best self!
Empower survivors of trauma, including domestic abuse, sexual assault, and medical trauma/chronic illness, in their healing journey.
Whole person focused! We take your lifestyle, health/wellness, and relational experiences all into account.
I know what it’s like to be a survivor! While my education and experience in mental health and nursing lead the way, I deeply understand the nuanced experience of survivors and am committed to being a part of your healing experience!
I love people and science! My theoretical orientations in relational/attachment models and polyvagal theory truly capture this passion. It allows for a holistic approach to care that translates into everyday life.
The therapist/coach and the client collaborate. A team-oriented approach facilitates sustainable outcomes.
Empowering survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, childhood trauma, and chronic illness/medical trauma.
PTSD, personality disorders, chronic illness, and eating disorders
Women, young adults, health care providers, and trauma survivors
Due to my integrative background in mental health and nursing, I am able to deeply connect the person’s experience at the mind and body level. I consider how mental health and past experience impact the body and overall health/wellbeing.
Is that I deeply understand their experience. “How do you do that?”
I make sure that rapport and a sense of safety in the therapeutic relationship have been established. That way, I can assess if you are ready to be challenged in this area of your life. I don’t believe we can effectively challenge without safety.
Clients developing a new perspective or understanding of their adverse or traumatic experiences in a way that empowers them to not fall into past patterns that, while those behaviors at one point kept them safe, have tended to hold them back from healing.
I strongly believe we must create safety in the mind and physical body to truly heal. My approach is a combination of deep introspection and processing of experiences, as well as addressing how they impact the body.
that I am a trauma survivor. I deeply understand and empathize with the survivor and aspects of their experience, such as navigating the justice system, that many cannot fully connect to or understand unless they have experienced it themselves.
Connection, honesty, fairness, humor, and adventure
My two bengal cats (who will sometimes join in on the therapeutic experience) and being outside! I love hiking, snowboarding, scuba diving, and anything that involves connecting with nature.
When I was working in the operating room as a nurse. While I Ioved what I did, I wanted to help people in a different way and at a different level, as well as provide individuals in healthcare and folks with illness/injury with long term support outside of the hospital setting.
Recognizing how we sometimes get in our own way! When we can foster this self-awareness with compassion, it can be a truly empowering moment.
I have been a nurse for 15 + years! I have experience in medicine, so you don’t have to explain the specifics of your job or illness. I just get it, and we can proceed to processing what you really need.
There are a few aspects of my identity and background that are infused into my therapeutic approach and relationships with clients. I am a former college athlete, which allows me to have unique insight into the challenges young people face in balancing sport, family, education, and life. I have been a registered nurse in the operating room at trauma centers across the country, and during this time of my life, while I loved my work, I first-hand experienced the vicarious trauma, physical toll, and wonderful yet challenging interpersonal dynamics of healthcare. Finally, as a survivor of intimate partner violence, my experience in healing created a deep passion in me to help others in similar situations. I understand deeply the complexities of these relationships and how to empower power to not just survive, but heal and thrive.
Relational Cultural Theory is the foundation of my work. With what could be simplified as a combination of attachment-based theory and intersectional feminism. I don’t believe therapists can provide effective care without considering the impact of the client’s culture on their experience.
Women, young adults, healthcare providers/first responders, and survivors of intimate partner violence
I have experience working with healthcare providers, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, dentists, and physical therapists etc. I also have experience working with coaches, athletes, and aviation professionals/their families.
I come from a unique family background in which I have a multiracial half-sibling who is significantly younger 20 + years. This beautiful experience of being their sister and navigating the social, cultural, and interpersonal challenges has given me special insight into supporting clients who might also have a non-traditional family system.
I enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors, hosting family/friends, and cuddling with my bengal cats.
Am very adventurous! I snowboard, scuba dive, wakeboard, and love trying new things!
I love nature! Connecting with the outdoors and moving your body will be infused in the therapeutic experience collaboratively.
I believe safe, joyful, and even challenging movement is directly correlated to one’s desired mental health outcomes! Some physical activities that I regularly practice and enjoy are running, yoga, strength training, swimming, and hiking.
I have a master of science in mental health counseling and a bachelors of science in nursing.
I have been in practice for over 5 years!
I have completed additional training in EMDR (a trauma informed approach) and treating suicidal thoughts and behaviors in an outpatient setting.
Formal Degrees
Additional Training
Additional Credentials
I am working to develop a curriculum/training program for family and divorce attorneys to better support their clients in navigating high stakes and relational abuse divorce cases.
I believe there is a huge gap in survivor support when they are facing a criminal, civil, or family court case against their perpetrator of trauma. The justice system can, unfortunately, become an avenue to evoke trauma and harm. I hope to better support survivors as they navigate these systems in a way that prevents re-traumatization, further harm, and supports justice.
Gender based violence
Start as getting to know you and your history. This ensures I develop a deep understanding of who you are and what you need. As we continue, I am able to tailor interventions that will facilitate you reaching desired outcomes and goals.
It depends on the client and what they need! They typically start more open-ended and can become more structured if we step into models such as EMDR, values work, or mind/body modalities.
“Our last meeting was the best therapy session I have ever had. I immediately put what we talked about into action and feel so relieved.” – Male Individual Client
“I always wanted someone to talk to like this. It gives me hope!” – Female Individual Client
“It seriously all makes sense now. I feel so validated.” – Male Individual Client
“Marissa is so wonderful. I am so thankful for Marissa; she goes above and beyond to provide a constant sense of support. I know that she’s always in my corner and helps take on the ups and downs that come my way. I have also learned different exercises to help ease my mind and body, which has improved my quality of life!” – Female Individual Client
