- Guilt and shame
- Internal Family Systems
- Trauma-Focused CBT
About Marissa
Marissa Alvarez is an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) practicing in Michigan with five years of experience. They work with adults managing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, ADHD, and concerns related to LGBT identity. Marissa also lists guilt and shame among their focus areas and works with related topics such as attachment and family of origin issues.
Marissa uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques and names Internal Family Systems and Trauma-Focused CBT among approaches they draw on. Sessions focus on understanding how past experiences affect current reactions and relationships. Marissa often helps people notice parts of themselves that get activated by shame or guilt and then talk through practical ways to respond differently.
Their practice explicitly centers intersectional feminist and anti-racist frameworks. Marissa aims to apply those perspectives when addressing identity-related concerns, gender dysphoria, and LGBTQ matters. They also work with people navigating chronic illness, disability, neurodiversity, and kink or alternative sexual cultures.
In a session you can expect clear, down-to-earth conversation. They will help identify patterns, build coping skills, and set small, achievable steps. Marissa describes therapy as collaborative work where you and the therapist make adjustments as needs change.
Sessions and scheduling use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Prospective clients follow an online matching questionnaire and schedule an initial appointment to begin.
Approaches used online and how they help
Marissa draws on Internal Family Systems and Trauma-Focused CBT as core ways of working. Internal Family Systems helps people notice different internal parts that hold blame, shame, or protective reactions. It can be useful for untangling why self-critical reactions show up in relationships and daily life. Trauma-Focused CBT focuses on making sense of traumatic memories and reducing their hold on current behavior, which can ease anxiety and reactivity after abuse or frightening events.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Marissa will collaborate with each person to figure out which techniques fit best based on needs, goals, and preferences. That assessment can change over time as progress and challenges become clearer.
The practical benefits of remote sessions depend on the formats the practice supports, so confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when that suits the day, or reduce travel time. Some approaches adapt well to video or phone formats, and Marissa will discuss how to shape sessions to match a client’s schedule and energy levels.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Marissa help with?
They work with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy issues, ADHD, and LGBT-related concerns. Guilt and shame are explicitly listed among their focus areas.
How would they approach shame or guilt?
Marissa uses evidence-based techniques to look at how past experiences link to current feelings. They help people identify patterns and practice different ways of responding to shame or guilt.
How much clinical experience does Marissa have?
They have five years of professional experience working with adults on a range of mental health and identity-related concerns.
What are Marissa's credentials and where are they based?
Marissa holds an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) and practices in Michigan.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with Marissa?
They are not accepting international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for?
Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time and costs vary with location.
What steps do I take to begin working together?
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 or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.