Get To Know Me
Hi, my name is Marissa and thanks for checking out my page. I started my career as a middle school counselor for over a decade after graduating from Rutgers University. After obtaining for license as an LPC, I started working with adults in the evenings for several years. I have now fully transitioned to private practice where I hope to continue to help people through challenging and uncertain times they may be facing.
A reason that I went into this field is that I have found too often times we are struggling alone, holding our breathe and just trying to survive each day. As your therapist, I will work with you to get past that feeling of just surviving. My overall goal for my clients is to help you feel resilient enough to get through the hard times, empowered enough to trust your journey and decisions, and ultimately where you get to a place where you feel like you aren't just waiting for the other shoe to drop. If that seems far reaching, I am here to listen and support you to get to that place together.
I like to dive in and help navigate all life transitions (whether that be the ending of a relationship, starting college or a new career, retirement, becoming a new parent) to name a few). You may be unsure of what the next step is and that can bring to the surface a variety of emotions: fear, doubts, excitement, stress, guilt and everything in between. I want to help you through all of that. Knowing when to take that first step and when is the right time for therapy is different for everyone; only you know when you are ready.
What Therapy May Look Like
I understand the idea talking to a complete stranger may seem uncomfortable at first, and that is a natural feeling you may have. I believe through open and honest communications this will help build trust between us so that you can accomplish your goal in a safe and comfortable environment; celebrating your successes and working together to overcome challenges.
The reasons people think about going to counseling are different for everyone, I am mindful of where each client is on their journey. Through our first few sessions we will get to know each other as therapist and client and continue to determine if it is an appropriate therapeutic fit. I typically suggest weekly sessions for the first 3-4 times we meet (if that works for you too) to help build a rapport and get into a bit of a rhythm; then we can discuss what is appropriate for you and your needs in terms of follow up sessions.
In our time together, I will assess what is needed from me as your therapist. I believe in a client-centered approach to foster open discussions focusing on you. We will identify your strengths and highlight those to help create achievable goals and coping skills. A shared goal that I have for my clients is that these will not only help you in the present, but ones you can access in the future as well to cope with any stressors that may arise.
Are you interested in a Free 15 minute consultation?
Send an email and we can set up a phone/video consult to ask any questions you may have and get a better sense of who I am as a therapist.