Marissa's Story
Registered Psychologist
Adult and Adolescent Therapist
I am often asked as a therapist why I chose to do this work and what has drawn me to the rewarding opportunity to support others. My answer to this question often changes as it seems that I am given a new reason each time I am given the opportunity to support someone in part of their journey and bear witness to their growth. I understand an aspect of therapy as being a process of authentic communication and empowerment that reflects a central part of myself through enjoying getting to know others and seeking to provide a safe haven to explore emotions, thinking processes, and motivations.
Through my experiences in the helping profession, I remain particularly interested in working with addiction and concurrent disorders. I work in collaboration with my clients through evidence-based treatments for navigating current concerns.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Areas of Practice
Areas of Practice:
Adults
Adolescents
Presenting Concerns:
Addictions
Mood disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Interpersonal concerns
Behavioural concerns
Concurrent disorders
Education and Credentials
Professional Membership:
Marissa is a member in good standing with the College of Alberta Psychologists since 2019.
Master of Art in Counselling Psychology:
Marissa graduated from Yorkville University in 2018 with a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology. She also has a Bachelor of Health Science from the University of Lethbridge with a major in Addictions Counselling and is passionate about expanding her skills and maintaining relevant and current knowledge in the addiction and mental health field.
Post-Graduate Training
Marissa is trained in Prolonged Exposure (PE) for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder which is is a specific type of cognitive behavioural therapy that teaches individuals to gradually approach trauma-related memories, feelings and situations. Marissa is also trained in Eye-movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) for the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns.
Additional Trainings:
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Seeking Safety (concurrent disorder training) for substance use and trauma
Motivational Enhancement
ATTCH Trauma 2 Day Training
ASIST Suicide Intervention
Mental Health Experience
Marissa has been working in the mental health field for the last nine years, supporting people from a variety of different roles. She is passionate about prevention and maintaining wellness, as well as treatment.
Professional Experience:
Marissa worked mostly in the addiction and mental health field as a mental health and addictions counsellor in different settings such as detox, residential treatment, and in out-patient therapy with men, women, and adolescents. Marissa has worked with individuals experiencing mental health and addictions concerns in different geographical locations, working rural and remote for most of her time practicing. Most recently, Marissa extended her practice through supervision to working with children and enjoys the opportunity support individuals as an independent contractor in private practice.