Therapy for Relationships, Trauma and Grief

Solution-Focused Psychotherapy for Individuals, Couples and Families, in-person sessions in Los Angeles and online throughout California and New York

BREAK-UP RECOVERY

George is heartbroken.

After years of dating his girlfriend, Alice, they finally decided to make it official. They told friends, began making plans, and started ring shopping. Then Alice called it off. Now George has a hole in his heart. He was sure Alice was his person and doesn’t think he will ever find someone as wonderful. He fears even if he does, she might leave him, too.

He’s so alone. Friends offer advice, but it rings hollow. No one understands the depth of what he’s going through. How did I mess up? What is wrong with me? he asks himself. He’s certain that some fundamental deficiency in him made Alice leave. But he doesn’t have any answers.

THERAPY FOR TRAUMA

Nora feels on edge.

Nora survived a car accident, but the trauma followed her long after. She could drive around her neighborhood, but highways felt terrifying. Intrusive memories, constant vigilance, and fear of losing control made driving feel unsafe.

She avoided travel, spending more time at home, and withdrawing from friends and work opportunities. Her life became increasingly restricted, shaped by fear rather than choice.

COUPLES THERAPY

Jessie and Charlie are exhausted.

As parents to young children, all their time, energy, and resources are poured into the family. All they can do at the end of each long day is collapse in front of the TV. They’ve begun to neglect themselves and each other.

Every day, they seem to grow more distant. They once shared their hopes and dreams, but that’s faded. Every conversation is about planning or logistics now, and broaching any deeper topic just leads to another argument. They aren’t ready to give up on their marriage but don’t know how to save it.

*These are fictitious names and scenarios used only to illustrate real-life situations.

BREAK-UP RECOVERY

George is heartbroken.

After years of dating his girlfriend, Alice, they finally decided to make it official. They told friends, began making plans, and started ring shopping. Then Alice called it off. Now George has a hole in his heart. He was sure Alice was his person and doesn’t think he will ever find someone as wonderful. He fears even if he does, she might leave him, too.

He’s so alone. Friends offer advice, but it rings hollow. No one understands the depth of what he’s going through. How did I mess up? What is wrong with me? he asks himself. He’s certain that some fundamental deficiency in him made Alice leave. But he doesn’t have any answers.

THERAPY FOR TRAUMA

Nora feels on edge.

Nora survived a car accident, but the trauma followed her long after. She could drive around her neighborhood, but highways felt terrifying. Intrusive memories, constant vigilance, and fear of losing control made driving feel unsafe.

She avoided travel, spending more time at home, and withdrawing from friends and work opportunities. Her life became increasingly restricted, shaped by fear rather than choice.

COUPLES THERAPY

Jessie and Charlie are exhausted.

As parents to young children, all their time, energy, and resources are poured into the family. All they can do at the end of each long day is collapse in front of the TV. They’ve begun to neglect themselves and each other.

Every day, they seem to grow more distant. They once shared their hopes and dreams, but that’s faded. Every conversation is about planning or logistics now, and broaching any deeper topic just leads to another argument. They aren’t ready to give up on their marriage but don’t know how to save it.

*These are fictitious names and scenarios used only to illustrate real-life situations.

Life doesn’t have to be this way.

You’re sick of living a black-and-white life while everyone else seems to be living in color.

But every attempt to find some path forward has been a dead end.

I’m here to tell you that the life you want is possible, and I can help you get there.

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

Hi, I’m Marissa.

Therapy for Relationships, Grief and Trauma

For 20 years, I’ve helped individuals, couples and families transform themselves, their relationships, and their lives for the better.

Together, we’ll work to give you a deeper understanding of your issues and create a plan to make lasting positive changes.

In a safe, warm, and judgment-free space, we’ll use research-backed methods to help you work through your conflicts, grow in meaningful ways, and live the happier, more fulfilling life you deserve.

Don’t wait any longer trying to deal with this on your own. Find the support you need today.

More About Me

George was ready to move on, and he reached out to me. It took a while for him to open up, but soon, he was sharing his thoughts and feelings openly and honestly. He allowed himself the opportunity to find happiness again and, before long, found a new partner. Now that he understands himself better, he can connect more deeply to his new partner and doesn’t worry that she might leave.

Nora reached out because she wanted her independence back. Using EMDR, we worked together to process her memories of the accident in a way that felt safe and manageable. As her nervous system settled, the fear began to loosen its grip. Nora gradually expanded beyond her neighborhood. Today, she trusts herself again and feels free to move through her life with greater ease and confidence.

Jessie and Charlie longed to be on the same team again. They contacted me, and together, we got to work helping them develop communication skills to foster more understanding and love in their relationship. Our sessions explored how their respective backgrounds influence their choices today. These insights now allow them to be gentler with themselves, their children, and each other.