Marissa Dean, LMFT - Therapist in California

About Marissa

Marissa Dean, LMFT, helps people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, and parenting challenges. She also supports those dealing with relationship strain, sleep problems, low self-esteem, bipolar and depression. Marissa uses a practical, calm approach to help people take the next steps in their lives.

Her style is collaborative and client-centered. Sessions focus on understanding both feelings and behaviors. She combines talk therapy with attention to how the body holds stress.

Background and approach

That can include grounding and gentle body-focused techniques alongside conversation. Marissa draws on cognitive behavioral tools to identify unhelpful thoughts and change behaviors that keep problems going. She also uses elements of dialectical behavior therapy to teach skills for emotion regulation and mindfulness to help with being present.

Her background includes five years of clinical experience and she holds a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist credential in California. Marissa offers options for people who want to include their faith in therapy; she can work with scripture, prayer, and spiritual themes when that fits the client’s wishes. Sessions emphasize clear goals and small, manageable changes.

Marissa aims to make therapy feel relevant to everyday life, whether the focus is on parenting, family concerns, coping with loss, or stopping smoking and vaping. People are invited to set the pace and bring what matters most to them.

How these approaches translate to online therapy

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to what each person brings. The therapist follows your lead, reflects what she hears, and helps you find your own solutions; this can help with stress, self-esteem, and family concerns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. It teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can help with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and cravings.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, offers skills for managing intense emotions and improving communication. It includes techniques for distress tolerance and emotion regulation that are useful when things feel overwhelming.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with you about your needs, goals, and preferences and then tailor methods that fit your situation. That decision is collaborative and can change over time as you notice what helps.

The original biography does not list specific session formats, so please confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Many people find that working with a licensed professional this way helps them use skills between sessions and keep momentum toward their goals.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Marissa help with?

She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, grief, parenting challenges, sleep problems, bipolar disorder, and depression. Additional focuses include attachment, body image, communication, and family of origin issues.

How would you describe the therapy style?

Her work is client-centered and collaborative. Sessions blend talk therapy with body-aware practices and practical skills to manage difficult feelings and behaviors.

What experience does the therapist have?

She has five years of clinical experience working with people on trauma, coping strategies, and behavior change. That experience shapes a practical, step-by-step approach.

What credentials and location are on record?

Marissa holds an LMFT credential and practices in California. The credential listed is CA LMFT.

Which languages are supported and can international clients be seen?

Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are available?

The original biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking so you know whether online or in-person sessions are offered.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with this therapist?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Addictions
Relationship issues

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 5 years
Licensed: California
Languages: English

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