About Marissa.
I'm a Registered Social Worker (RSW) licensed in Ontario. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology from the University of Toronto Mississauga (2018) and a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Windsor (2021).
I offer a personalized, values-based therapy experience rooted in my own values of acceptance, compassion, and creativity. With children, I incorporate playfulness, humour, and creative interventions tied to their interests. I specialize in supporting “super feelers,” kids who feel different, and caregivers balancing their own healing with parenting. I believe we rarely heal in isolation, but through relationship with others.
Note: I am not currently accepting new clients, but will reassess in July.
My initial psychotherapy career began as an EAP Therapist, before moving on to work at Crossroads Children Mental Health Centre as a Child and Family Therapist. Over the past year, I had been working in a private practice clinic providing psychotherapy to children, youth, parents, families, and adults, but was looking to move to a clinic that focused solely on supporting children, youth and their families.
My specific areas of interest include body image and disordered eating, self-confidence/self-worth, neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism, etc), anxiety and depression, interpersonal conflict, etc.
My therapeutic approach is heavily influenced by creative interventions pulled from play and expressive arts therapy. These approaches are employed through a trauma-informed, strengths-based, neurodivergent-affirming lens.
Approach and Modalities used:
-Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
-Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
-Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
-Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS)
-Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT)
To the parents considering reaching out, I look forward to partnering with you to help support your child, while helping your child feel comfortable and find some enjoyment in therapy. We can work together to create meaningful change through the therapeautic relationship and some practical skill-building.
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
— Maya Angelou