Marissa Katz Bellani, LMHC - Therapist in Hawaii

About Marissa

Marissa Katz Bellani is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) based in Hawaii. She offers a warm, down-to-earth style aimed at people feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, grief, depression, or major life changes. Her tone is gentle but practical, and she focuses on small steps that fit into daily life.

Marissa uses a mix of therapy methods rather than one fixed approach. She often draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice unhelpful patterns and try new ways of responding.

Background and approach

She also brings client-centered listening to sessions so people feel heard before deciding on the next steps. Her background includes training in expressive therapies and music therapy during graduate work, which informs a creative, flexible way of working when it’s helpful. That means therapy might include talking, experiments between sessions, or simple creative tasks to open new perspectives.

Marissa has eight years of professional experience as an LMHC, and she uses that experience to tailor plans to each person’s situation. Sessions are paced to match what a person can manage, with practical tools to use at home. People looking for a therapist who listens without judgment and encourages small, manageable changes may find her approach useful.

She accepts international clients and provides sessions from Hawaii in English.

Therapeutic approaches and online options that fit busy lives

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then commit to actions that match their values. It can be useful for stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes by focusing on practical steps rather than getting rid of every uncomfortable feeling.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions interact and teaches concrete skills to shift unhelpful patterns. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and mood-related concerns and offers clear tools to practice between sessions.

Marissa finds it helpful to pair these methods with a client-centered stance, so the work reflects each person’s needs and preferences. She will collaborate with clients to choose the right mix of approaches based on their goals, worries, and comfort level.

Online therapy here uses video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make care flexible and easier to fit into daily life. These formats let people meet from home, keep appointments during busy weeks, and pick a way of communicating that feels most comfortable. The therapist and client work together to find the pace and format that support steady progress.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

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.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Marissa address?

Her work covers stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy-related issues, addiction concerns, LGBT issues, trauma and abuse, bipolar concerns, and coping with life changes among other topics.

What is her general therapy style?

She blends warm, client-centered listening with practical tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Sessions tend to be interactive and focused on small, manageable changes.

What experience does she bring?

Marissa has eight years of professional experience as a licensed mental health counselor. Her training includes expressive and music therapy elements from graduate school.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She is an LMHC with the following details: MA LMHC LMHC12356, HI LMHC MHC-851, and practices from Hawaii.

Which languages are offered for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

In what session formats can I meet with her?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging as ways to connect for therapy.

How does cost and scheduling work?

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

What are the steps to begin therapy?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Family conflicts

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 8 years
Licensed: Massachusetts, Hawaii
Languages: English

Next step

Talk to Marissa

Takes a few minutes
Nothing to set up just to look
Stop at any point

Book with Marissa