Marisa Shanahan
Hi, I’m Marisa, a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) who believes therapy can be both meaningful and approachable—even sprinkled with a little humor along the way. I’m passionate about helping clients uncover their strengths and use them to navigate life’s challenges. My experience spans working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with developmental disabilities, histories of incarceration, addiction, trauma, depression, and anxiety. I create a warm, supportive space where you can explore what’s causing distress, tap into your resilience, and move toward the outcomes you truly want in life.
First session
In your first session, I focus on creating a welcoming and safe space for you to share what brings you to therapy. We’ll explore your strengths, discuss strategies that have worked (or haven’t) for you, and work together to set meaningful goals. I’ll also answer any questions you have about therapy and guide you on what to expect as we move forward.
Strengths
My greatest strengths lie in creating a space where humor and healing coexist, honoring each person’s unique life experiences without judgment. I approach therapy collaboratively, recognizing that you are the expert on your own life while I help clarify, guide, and support you in reaching your goals. Using an eclectic approach, I meet you where you are, at your own pace, keeping you informed every step of the way and regularly checking in on your progress so you always know what’s next.
Ideal clients
I’m best positioned to support individuals and couples who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or navigating life transitions and relationship challenges. I work well with clients who are open to self-exploration and want to better understand their thoughts, emotions, and patterns. Many of the people I serve are seeking to heal from past experiences, improve communication, build healthier relationships, and develop more effective coping skills. My approach is especially helpful for those who are motivated to create meaningful, lasting change and align their lives with their values.
Treatment methods
Strength-Based
I use a strengths-based approach to support clients by focusing on their existing abilities, resilience, and personal resources. I help individuals identify what’s already working in their lives and build on those strengths to navigate challenges and achieve their goals. This approach encourages confidence, empowerment, and meaningful, lasting progress.
EMDR
I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients process and heal from distressing or traumatic experiences. In my practice, I guide individuals through structured phases to safely reprocess difficult memories, reducing their emotional intensity and negative beliefs. I also integrate an attachment-based lens, using EMDR to address early relational wounds and strengthen clients’ sense of safety, connection, and internal security. EMDR allows clients to build resilience, gain new perspectives, and move forward with a greater sense of stability and empowerment.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding. In my practice, I work collaboratively to build practical coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and support behavior change aligned with clients’ goals. This structured, goal-oriented approach helps clients create meaningful, lasting improvements in their daily lives.
Couples Counseling
I provide couples counseling to help partners improve communication, deepen emotional connection, and navigate conflict in healthier ways. In my practice, I support couples in identifying patterns, strengthening understanding, and building skills for trust, intimacy, and collaboration. The goal is to create a more secure, respectful, and fulfilling relationship.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I use Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients explore and understand the different “parts” of themselves with curiosity and compassion. In my practice, I guide individuals in building awareness of these parts, healing wounded aspects, and strengthening their core Self. This approach supports emotional balance, self-acceptance, and lasting internal change.
Location
Virtual sessions