New to Grow
Hi, I’m Marisa Markowitz, LCSW, CASAC. I’m a warm, collaborative, and goal-focused therapist who believes real change happens when you feel supported, understood, and empowered. I work with adults navigating anxiety, stress, high expectations, life transitions, and the desire to create more balance and ease. My approach is grounded in evidence-based modalities—CBT, DBT, EMDR, MI, and narrative therapy—always tailored to your unique strengths and pace. In our sessions, you can expect a grounded, compassionate space where we identify clear goals, build practical tools, and create momentum toward the life you want. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply ready for growth, I’m here to help you move forward with confidence and clarity. Let’s get started when you’re ready.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, you can expect a warm, relaxed, and judgment-free space to talk about what’s been going on and what brought you in. I’ll ask some guiding questions to get to know you, your goals, and what support feels most helpful right now. Together, we’ll outline a clear, realistic plan for moving forward—so you leave the session feeling grounded, understood, and with a sense of direction.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my greatest strengths is my sense of humor, which helps create a warm, approachable, and safe space in therapy. I also bring a strong sense of empathy, allowing me to deeply understand and connect with each client’s unique experiences. By tapping into both humor and empathy, I help clients feel supported, understood, and empowered to explore challenges, uncover their own strengths, and make meaningful changes in their lives.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My dream client is someone who often feels anxious and carries high standards for themselves, striving to do everything “just right.” You might feel pulled in many directions, juggling responsibilities, expectations, and your own inner critic, and find it hard to create a sense of balance and harmony in your life. You are ready to explore what fuels your anxiety and overthinking, and you’re interested in learning practical strategies to manage stress in a way that feels doable and sustainable. You may notice patterns of self-criticism, overcommitting, or putting others’ needs ahead of your own, and you want support in cultivating a healthier relationship with yourself. You value growth, self-reflection, and insight, and you are open to engaging in therapy as a collaborative process—exploring how your past experiences, coping strategies, and current behaviors all impact your well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I love using CBT because it gives clients real strategies that work in real time — helping them break patterns, build confidence, and move toward lasting change.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I love using DBT because the skills work—clients learn to stay grounded, regulate emotions, and navigate tough moments with confidence.
Motivational Interviewing
MI is one of my favorite approaches because it honors clients’ autonomy, builds confidence, and helps them uncover the inner motivation needed to create lasting change.
Narrative
Narrative Therapy is one of my favorite approaches because it allows clients to step back, reflect on their experiences with compassion, and create a story that aligns with who they truly are and who they want to become.
EMDR
EMDR is one of my favorite modalities because it supports clients in safely processing painful memories, calming the nervous system, and reclaiming a sense of empowerment and peace.