About Marissa.
I'm a Registered Social Worker (RSW) 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 currently accepting new clients, aged 5+
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. I'm very excited to be starting on this new journey with you folks!
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.
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)
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.
For those older teens and young adults considering therapy- you do not have to be alone on your mission to move out of survival to thriving. You may be feeling overwhelmed, alone, or hopeless but together we can begin to untangle what's impacting you. This is a space for you. We can reflect, increase self-acceptance, reconnect with your values, and explore new ways of relating- to yourself, your family, and the world. If you are nervous about meeting a therapist for the first time, I encourage you to reach out as this is a safe place to risk trying something new. When you are ready, I will be here ready to walk with you.
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