- Client-centered care
- Practical coping skills
- Faith-friendly options
About Marissa
Marissa Dean is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California. She focuses on stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship concerns, grief, and sleep problems. Marissa also helps people struggling with self-esteem, parenting strain, bipolar mood concerns, and identity questions including LGBT matters.
Her approach centers on the person in front of her. Marissa uses Client-Centered Therapy to build a respectful, nonjudgmental space. She pairs that with tools from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, and psychodynamic ideas when those techniques fit a client's goals.
Sessions often include talking through painful events, noticing how the body holds stress, and practicing new ways to react to hard moments. Marissa also addresses attachment and family of origin issues, body image and dissociation, and problems with control, guilt, or shame. Smoking and vaping cessation is another practical focus she supports.
When a client wants faith included, Marissa can bring Christian-based material such as scripture or prayer into sessions, only when the person requests it. She says therapy is a team effort and adapts methods to each person's needs and beliefs.
Marissa has five years of clinical experience as an LMFT. People who choose her can expect straightforward conversation, attention to how emotions show up in the body, and step-by-step ideas to manage symptoms and move toward clearer life purpose.
How therapeutic approaches shape online work
Client-Centered Therapy puts the client’s perspective first and focuses on listening, empathy, and understanding. Online sessions using this approach often begin by clarifying goals and priorities so each meeting feels relevant and respectful.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people spot unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. In an online setting CBT can include straightforward exercises, homework, and practical tools to reduce anxiety, manage mood, or change habits.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) brings skills for managing intense emotions and improving relationships. Online DBT-style work often teaches breathing, grounding, and communication skills that can be practiced between sessions.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to decide which methods suit their needs, goals, and preferences. That means trying methods, checking what helps, and adjusting the plan together.
The biography does not specify session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online therapy helpful because it can fit into a weekday break, avoid travel time, or let them use a quieter space with less need for long commutes. Sessions can focus on short skill practice, talk-based processing, or structured homework depending on what the client wants and what the therapist recommends.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Marissa help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship problems, grief, sleep difficulties, parenting strain, self-esteem, bipolar-related concerns, and LGBT issues among other challenges.
What is her therapeutic style like?
She offers a warm, client-centered approach that prioritizes the client's experience and goals. Methods are chosen collaboratively and can include talking, mindfulness, and body-focused work.
What experience does she bring?
Marissa has five years of experience practicing as an LMFT in clinical settings and private practice environments in California.
What credentials and location apply?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, practicing in California.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How does cost and payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with Marissa?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.