ABOUT MARISSA:
I am a holistic and integrative practitioner with a client-centered lens. I follow what is alive for my clients moment to moment. I believe that through creating a narrative for trauma, its negative impacts can be minimized. I come from a strengths based perspective and will support you in finding the answers within you. I love to incorporate somatic approaches into my work and regard our bodies as teachers. When working with me, you can expect warmth, sensitivity, and thoughtful and intelligent reflections.

My Background
An east coast native, I moved to California to pursue graduate school. I earned my Masters in Integral Counseling from the California Institute of Integral Studies. I spent two years at a non-profit that focused on equine-assisted psychotherapy, animal-assisted psychotherapy, art therapy, nature-based therapy, and talk therapy. In this role, I worked with children as young as 6 and adults in their 60s. I was faced with a wide array of presenting problems and became confident in my role as a therapist. Following this role, I worked in a school-based setting where I met with upwards of 30 adolescents a week. It was amazing to see the students open up to me after trust and rapport were built. Their breakthroughs were powerful and fascinating. I invite a larger presence into the therapy room and welcome spiritual questioning in session. All faiths and orientations are welcome.

Areas of Focus
So far in my work as a therapist, my focus has been anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, mood disorders, spiritual seekers, and personality disorders. I am comfortable guiding you through whatever may come up in our work together. There is no mountain we can not climb together!

Fun Facts About Marissa
I LOVE to ride horses. I enjoy jumping in the hunters/equitation tradition. I also love to hike with my beloved dog and visit the ocean in San Francisco and Santa Cruz.