Marisa Lare
**Currently accepting clients for late morning and early afternoon appointments. ** *No availability at 5 PM or later. * *Clients must be physically located in Maryland or Pennsylvania during sessions.*
Do you find yourself constantly overthinking, striving for perfection, or feeling like you're never doing enough? I help individuals manage anxiety, quiet their inner critic, and find more balance in their lives.
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) based in Maryland, with a master's degree from Salisbury University. I have experience working in school, outpatient, and inpatient settings. I enjoy helping young adults and adults navigate anxiety, perfectionism, overthinking, self-doubt, and the pressures of everyday life. I particularly enjoy working with individuals who set high expectations for themselves, struggle to slow down, or find themselves constantly worrying about doing enough or being enough.
First session
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another, explore what brought you to therapy, and discuss what you're hoping to gain from our work together. We'll talk about your background, current challenges, and any patterns or experiences that may be contributing to how you're feeling. I'll ask questions to better understand your needs, explain what you can expect from therapy, and review confidentiality. Most importantly, there's no pressure to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say. We'll take things at a pace that feels comfortable for you and begin identifying goals that are meaningful to you.
Strengths
My approach to therapy is rooted in authenticity, warmth, and collaboration. I strive to create a comfortable, judgment-free space where you can be yourself without the pressure to have everything figured out. My style is conversational, supportive, and practical, while also incorporating gentle challenges to help you recognize unhelpful patterns and explore new perspectives. I believe therapy is a partnership where we work together to build insight, develop coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Ideal clients
Do you find yourself constantly overthinking, setting high expectations for yourself, or feeling like you're never doing enough? Maybe you're someone who appears to have it all together on the outside but internally struggles with anxiety, self-doubt, or the pressure to meet expectations. I enjoy working with young adults and adults who struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, and being overly critical of themselves. Together, we'll work on managing anxiety, challenging unhelpful thought patterns, building confidence, and developing a healthier, more compassionate relationship with yourself.
Treatment methods
Strength-Based
A strength based approach focuses on the strengths and self determination of each person. I believe you have strengths, are resourceful, and resilient. My goal is to help you believe in yourself again by pointing out your strengths and helping you notice the change you can make that is within your control.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT focuses on thought patterns. CBT can be used in discussion and with activities. We focus on identifying negative thought patterns and reframing thoughts.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
This uses mindfulness techniques to improve mental well being. Mindfulness focuses on the present moment, acceptance, compassion and non reactivity. If client are interested, I educate on mindfulness techniques, model them, and practice them together in session.
Trauma-Informed Care
I use the principles of Trauma Informed Care in every session. Which is to provide safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration and empowerment.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- MarylandLicense 28633
- PennsylvaniaLicense CW027264