Welcome!
I’m Marissa.
I work alongside survivors as they reclaim their lives after traumatic experiences so they can access joy and security in the present and reconnect with their hope for the future.
It can be hard to be a person in the world sometimes, especially if life has taught you that you have to act a certain way in order to be safe or that something terrible will happen if you are not "perfect." Maybe you find yourself spending so much energy trying to appease the people around you that you feel like there is no space left for you, but at the same time the idea of trying to figure out who you are or talking about your past seems so scary that you get overwhelmed before you even start. Many of my people have these concerns when we first meet but together we are able to navigate emotional reminders of past experiences and regain a sense of safety through mind & body healing. I believe that everyone is capable and deserving of this and I am hopeful that we can establish this for you as well.
My people describe me as gentle, yet empowering. By leading with curiosity and compassion, you can expect to have an anti-oppressive partner who will move towards your goals intentionally, support you in managing day-to-day stressors and assist you in navigating meanings-made from past experiences, if you decide it serves you.
Together, we can explore your personal strengths that have gotten you this far, examine ways to set boundaries so you feel valued in relationships, practice concrete skills so you feel empowered to manage emotional experiences, learn to connect with body sensations so you feel safe in your body and, if you choose, identify painful experiences and reprocess them with EMDR. Everyone has the ability to self-heal no matter how "out of reach" it may seem. By tapping into your unique inner resources we can enhance your connection to your truest self so that your present and future are not defined by your past. You have the ability to create the life you want and I would be honored to work alongside you as you secure the life you deserve.
I am a graduate of Columbia University School of Social Work (2019) and am a proud affiliate of the Complex Trauma Treatment Center (2022). I am affirming of all identities, if I am not a member of the community myself.
My Approach
I practice with a focus on the body. We take our bodies everywhere but often forget to check in with them until something feels “off.”
What does this actually mean?
You will hear me ask “Where do you feel that in your body?” and “What do you think your body is trying to tell you?” This is to invite you to explore how your body responds when we are talking about things you find upsetting. I do this to allow you to notice how your body communicates the presence of emotional leftovers so you can best navigate them when they appear in real time. I find that this awareness helps people feel in control and mindful in the moment and lessens the hold distress from trauma reminders has on their capacity for wellness in the present.
I work with adults and specialize in:
Adult Manifestations of Childhood Trauma
Alleviating the Stress of Perfectionism & People -Pleasing
Connecting with The Body
Improving Self-Esteem while Navigating Life Transitions
Navigating Relationships
Processing Grief
Self-Exploration
Sexual Trauma
Individual Therapy
Weekly sessions in 45- or 60-minute blocks of time. Your appointment time will be reserved for you and you alone.
Intensive Sessions
Extended sessions in 90-min, 3-hour or 6-hour blocks of time on an as needed basis. I will do a thorough intake assessment beforehand to ensure you have what you need in place to assist you in working towards your wellness goals.
Please note Cottage In The Woods, LCSW, PLLC is not a crisis center. If you are having a medical or mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to your local emergency room. You can also access SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This resource is confidential, free, and available 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year.