Hi there, my name is Marisa (she/her) and I am a registered counselor associate here in Oregon. I received both my Bachelors Degree in Sociology and Masters Degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from Portland State University. I bring to counseling a strong background in working with individuals who experience powerlessness due to systemic barriers; with experience in inpatient/outpatient substance use treatment, vocational rehabilitation, parole and probation, behavior rehabilitation foster care and within the homeless youth continuum.

 As a therapist I strongly believe in attunement and connection as being imperative to feel seen and validated which encourages growth and healing. Intrinsically, we have the tools to promote integration and wellness, but may require support, and to be witnessed in order to flourish. My approach is person-centered, consistent and collaborative. My goal as a therapist is to create a space in which you can transition to your life outside of the therapeutic space, as a therapist I want you to prioritize your needs. My approach to therapy is not one size fits alI, I utilize creative and tactile approaches to enhance or replace talk therapy, I incorporate modalities such as Brainspotting to address trauma and attachment.. My primary therapeutic approach is from a humanistic existentialist lens which takes into account the social and cultural context of our lives and I apply various modalities or singular modalities to most efficiently and respectively work with the individual I am present with.

As a lifelong Oregonian, I strongly believe in connection within my own community while simultaneously maintaining strong interpersonal boundaries. As your therapist I acknowledge that we may interact in shared communities and will respect your privacy and maintain therapeutic boundaries to ensure that we maintain our therapeutic alliance. I have experience working with adjustment to disability for individuals and their partners, adjustment to returning to the community post-incarceration, and pornography addiction/sexual preoccupation. 

I can support you with treating:

• Trauma

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Relationship Issues

• Sexuality 

• Self Esteem

• Life transitions

• Adjustment to
  Disability

• Adjustment to life
  post incarceration

• Family members of those
  convicted or accused of sex offenses