Testimonials

I found Marissa after interviewing seven other potential therapists. From the moment I got her on the phone I knew I was safe with her. I was hesitant in choosing my therapist because I knew how important this person would be in my life. But, I could never have imagined how much Marissa would change my life and I don’t say it lightly. We worked together for a little over a year and a half, and it still baffles me how much we went through together. Along with mindfulness therapy, we worked with the technique EMDR. With this technique we walked through my childhood traumas and sexual assaults. Every step of the way Marissa was there to process with me. I did so much healing with Marissa’s support and guidance and nearly two years after our last session I continue to heal using the tools she has given me. I would not be where I am today without her, we went into battle together and I came out stronger because of it. To say I am thankful, would be an absolute understatement.

My husband and I were on the lookout for premarital counseling as we approached our wedding, and after speaking with several therapists, we found ourselves instantly connecting with Marissa. What set her apart was her direct and candid approach, peppered with a refreshing sense of humor. We were grateful for her openness to tailor our sessions to the structured format we were seeking, even suggesting premarital topics for discussion when we didn’t have specific issues to address.

As we navigated the stresses of our engagement and wedding planning, we realized there were some fundamental things we needed to work on. Our journey with Marissa evolved into more traditional couple’s therapy, and under her guidance, we made significant progress in improving our communication, fostering empathy, and rekindling the understanding that we’re a team. Thanks to Marissa’s support, we entered our wedding with a strong foundation and have continued to build upon it ever since.

My appointments with Marissa were the highlight of my week. I felt so much lighter after each session, knowing that I was unloading so much on someone so trustworthy and professional. Talking to Marissa does not feel like a session with a typical psychologist. She is so warm and understanding that I was comfortable and able to completely be myself and receive her straightforward yet kindhearted feedback. She guided me in the right direction when it came to everyday struggles and bigger life decisions. Her approach is logical and empathetic. She never inserted herself too much, yet gave just the right amount of direction and enlightenment. I really can’t recommend her enough.

Marissa is a clinician I refer to when I want a client to experience someone sophisticated, warm, and humorous in their approach. However heavy the situation, Marissa makes things feel light. I trust her wholeheartedly and feel grateful to be colleagues with such a remarkable, dedicated therapist. She’s truly the best of the best.

-Rebekah Tayebi, LCSW
Colleague

Marissa is a wonderful, compassionate therapist. She helped us through a difficult time early in our marriage and, five years later, we’re happily married with a toddler. She gave us the tools we needed to enable better communication and we still use them today. She is thorough, solutions-oriented, and kind. We wholeheartedly recommend her for couples in need!

My framework for choosing a therapist was principally based on three variables. Empathy, experience, and patience. I had unsuccessfully worked with different therapists before Marissa, and at times the process of trying to find the “right” therapist felt frustrating at best. I realized this was a common experience among patients seeking therapy, and unfortunately many end up working with a therapist that is suboptimal for their needs. I personally felt this before I started working with Marissa.

After working with Marissa, I was able to see tangible progress. She created a space where I was able to open up about past, present, and future thoughts. Marissa was always inviting, occasionally funny (at the right moments!), and ultimately a compassionate individual. Perhaps most importantly, though, she is a therapist who cares deeply about her patients– this resonated throughout our sessions and made a world of difference.

I cannot recommend Marissa enough. With her guidance, I can undoubtedly say my life has changed for the better.

I am immensely grateful for the transformative journey I experienced with Marissa as my therapist. When I first sought her help, I was grappling with anxiety and depression, feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges. Through our sessions, Marissa not only provided a compassionate and nurturing environment but also skillfully guided me towards understanding the root causes of my struggles.

What truly set Marissa apart was her ability to identify patterns and behaviors that eventually led to the discovery of my ADHD diagnosis. This revelation was a turning point in my life, and Marissa played a crucial role in helping me navigate this newfound understanding with empathy and expertise.

Right from our initial sessions, Marissa’s warmth and kindness were evident. She created a safe space where I felt comfortable sharing my deepest thoughts and emotions. Yet, she didn’t shy away from asking the tough questions that encouraged me to delve deeper into my own psyche.

Marissa didn’t just stop at insights; she equipped me with practical strategies to integrate into my daily life. These strategies became invaluable tools in managing not only my anxiety and depression but also in addressing the challenges posed by ADHD. Her tailored approach to therapy made a profound impact on my overall well-being.

In addition to being a skilled therapist, Marissa’s warmth and nurturing demeanor made each session not only therapeutic but also comforting. I wholeheartedly recommend Marissa to anyone seeking a compassionate guide on their journey to mental health. Her genuine care and effective strategies have made a lasting difference in my life, and I am truly grateful for the positive change she has facilitated.

Marissa is a trusted colleague who is my go-to for creative people in the arts, and have been grateful to have her as a resource in the California area. She is warm, bright and has extensive experience across a variety of settings.

-Melissa Wacks, LCSW
Colleague

Sessions with Marissa were unlike any therapy I’d experienced before. She connected with me in a way that made me feel safe and secure. She helped me through my struggles in a kind way, offering not only helpful tools and methods, but differing opinions to help me process situations as well. I am very grateful for her support.

As a man in his thirties, I grew up in what I considered a very stereotypical American home where I was rewarded more for my athletic accomplishments than any artistic or emotional discovery. Thus, I saw little to no application for therapy in my life. It wasn’t until after a brutal breakup with my long-term partner that I was willing to try therapy. I was helpless and willing to do anything that might get me back to “normal” or at best, happy again. A close friend recommended Marissa to me and I’m so very grateful for it. I consider myself to be highly self-aware, so it wasn’t so much that Marissa caused me to see new things about myself but moreso that she shined a new light on the same things I’d known or seen for years. I believe this was key to unlocking some of the negative patterns I seemed to continually find myself in. With her prompts, I learned new concepts that helped me work through mental blocks that previously seemed impassable. Im forever grateful for Marisa and the work we’ve done together.

Marissa was a huge support and help breaking down walls I put up for myself. She was able to see through me and recognize what I needed and taught me to listen to my gut. She helped me through a few monumental life moments and I came out the other stronger because of her 🙂 Forever grateful for Marissa and the guidance she gave me.

I highly recommend Dr. Tunis for anyone struggling with anxiety, mood problems, relationship issues, or trauma. She “humanizes” the work in a natural way with her warmth and curiosity!

–-Peter B. Karinen, Psy.D.
Colleague