- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- LGBT related concerns
About Marissa
Marissa Alvarez is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan with five years of clinical experience. They help people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related concerns, ADHD, and issues related to LGBT identity. Marissa works with adults who want practical help sorting through their thoughts and feelings after a change or a difficult period.
Sessions focus on identifying patterns that show up in everyday life. Marissa describes work that looks at how past experiences and attachment issues affect current relationships and choices. People can expect straightforward conversations about coping skills, communication problems, and managing overwhelming feelings.
They draw on evidence-based therapeutic techniques and mention using Internal Family Systems and Trauma-Focused CBT approaches as influences in their practice. Marissa also brings intersectional feminist and anti-racist perspectives to discussions about identity and power. This shapes how they pay attention to the client’s background and social context.
Marissa often supports people with neurodiversity concerns, including autism and Asperger syndrome, and those dealing with chronic pain, illness, or disability. Other areas they address include body image, eating and food-related issues, codependency, and gender dysphoria.
Work with Marissa tends to be collaborative and practical. They encourage clients to set goals, practice new skills between sessions, and notice small changes in daily life. To begin, potential clients are asked to use the platform matching steps and schedule an initial session.
Therapeutic approaches and how they work online
Marissa describes drawing on Internal Family Systems and Trauma-Focused CBT as important influences. Internal Family Systems involves noticing the different parts of your inner experience and learning to relate to them more calmly; it can help with inner conflict, self-criticism, and emotion regulation. Trauma-Focused CBT focuses on processing trauma memories and developing skills to reduce trauma-related symptoms, and it can help people who find past events affecting daily life.Choosing which approach to use is treated as a collaborative process. Marissa will work with clients to identify goals, test methods, and adjust techniques based on how people respond. The therapist frames this as practical problem solving rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce time spent traveling. These practical benefits help people keep consistent work on stress, life direction, and relationship patterns while balancing everyday responsibilities.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Marissa help people with?
They work with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, ADHD, and LGBT identity concerns, plus related areas listed in their profile such as body image and chronic illness.
How would they approach feeling stuck or unsure about life direction?
Marissa uses evidence-based techniques and conversational work to identify patterns and coping skills. The focus is on practical steps, clearer communication, and noticing change in daily life.
How long have they been practicing?
They have five years of clinical experience as an LMSW working with adults on the concerns listed in the profile.
What is their credential and where are they based?
Marissa is an LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker, and they practice in Michigan.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Do they work with international clients?
They do not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current online and in-person options before booking.
How are fees and getting started handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.