I’m Marissa – a supportive, emotionally-attuned therapist passionate about helping kids, teens, and their parents thrive. I believe in the core value of building strong and trusting relationships with the children, teens, and families I have the privilege of working with each day. With a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a background in behavioral health, human development, and family studies- I bring a holistic and developmentally informed lens to the work I do.

My therapeutic approach is rooted in curiosity, connection, and understanding. I strive to create a judgment-free space where kids feel safe to express themselves, teens feel empowered to explore who they are, and parents feel supported in their role. Whether we’re working through emotional challenges, behavior concerns, or family stressors, my goal is to help each person feel seen, heard, and capable of change.

How Can I Support You?

Children: I support children in learning to regulate their emotions, improve behavior, build self-awareness, and work through anxiety, anger, and big transitions—often using Synergetic Play Therapy to help them feel safe in their bodies and connected to themselves.

Teens: I work with adolescents as they navigate identity development, emotional ups and downs, peer relationships, school pressures, and family dynamics—offering a space that honors their autonomy and voice.

Parents: I offer parent coaching that strengthens communication, builds confidence, and helps caregivers understand their child’s behavior through the lens of nervous system regulation and attachment.

Families: I help families create more harmony at home by fostering understanding, improving emotional attunement, and offering tools to support stronger, more connected relationships.

I have specialized training in Synergetic Play Therapy, a somatic and relational approach grounded in nervous system regulation, authenticity, and connection. This work supports children in learning how to attach to themselves—the foundation of all healing—and equips parents with tools to co-regulate and support their child’s emotional development.

I believe we all have a story to share and an inner strength to face life’s challenges. Sometimes we just need a little help uncovering that strength. It’s an honor to walk alongside you and your family on this journey of growth and healing.

TRAININGS & CERTIFICATIONS

• Circle of Security

• Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy

• Dialectic Behavioral Therapy Training

• Play Therapy with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youth