Marissa Gilbert

LCSW, 11 years of experience
Authentic
Warm
Solution oriented
VirtualAvailable

Hi, I’m Marissa, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over ten years of experience supporting individuals as they work toward balance, clarity, and confidence in their lives. I believe therapy should feel safe, genuine, and judgment-free a space where you can show up as you are and feel truly heard. My approach is collaborative and personalized. Together, we’ll explore what’s working, what feels stuck, and what changes will help you move forward in a way that feels aligned with your goals. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or self-esteem concerns, I’ll support you in building insight, resilience, and a stronger sense of purpose. Clients often share that sessions feel natural and comfortable like talking with someone who truly understands. That sense of connection is where meaningful growth begins and serves as the foundation for our work together. Your next chapter starts here one step, one session, one insight at a time. I value consistency in therapy, especially early on, as it helps build a strong foundation for meaningful progress. I typically recommend starting with weekly sessions for the first 6–8 weeks, and then we can reassess whether biweekly sessions are appropriate based on your needs and goals. Availability: I currently offer weekday daytime appointments between 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Limited evening and weekend availability is reserved for established clients when needed.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session, I want you to come as you are. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, seen, and heard. We'll start with introductions and getting to know each other, and I want you to know that you will have my full attention. I'm here to support you as you navigate life’s challenges. We’ll discuss what brought you to therapy, the challenges you’re facing, and what you hope to gain from our time together. We’ll also determine a schedule that works best for you. I understand that life ebbs and flows, and my role is to be a consistent support to you. I also recognize that not every client-therapist relationship is the right fit, and I believe in being upfront and honest about that. If I feel that another therapist might better suit your needs, I will happily refer you to someone who can provide the support you deserve. My priority is ensuring you get the most out of therapy, whether that’s with me or another provider. If I can help you find the right person, then I am still contributing to your healing—just in a different but meaningful way.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I believe one of my greatest strengths as a therapist is being real and authentic. You won’t get a “perfect script” from me you’ll get someone who listens deeply, understands where you’re coming from, and walks beside you through the hard parts. My goal is to create a space where you feel supported, seen, and safe to be yourself. Together, we’ll build trust, strengthen communication, and uncover what’s getting in the way of your peace and confidence. I work to help you feel empowered not just to manage challenges, but to truly learn and grow from them. You don’t have to face things alone; we’ll take it one step at a time, together.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I am best positioned to support teens, young adults, and individuals who are experiencing anxiety, overthinking, and challenges with self esteem or confidence. Many of my clients feel overwhelmed by their thoughts, struggle with negative thinking patterns, or find it difficult to manage emotions and relationships in a way that feels healthy and balanced. I work well with clients who may feel stuck, unsure of themselves, or are navigating life transitions and want support in building clarity and confidence. I also support parents seeking guidance for their teens who may be struggling with mood, peer relationships, or emotional regulation. My approach is especially helpful for those who are ready to better understand themselves, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change in their day-to-day lives.

Specialties

Top specialties
Other specialties

I identify as

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

Licensed in

Accepts

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is a therapeutic approach that explores the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In my practice, I use CBT to help clients understand how these elements influence one another and how making changes in one area can positively impact the others. A key part of this approach involves identifying cognitive distortions and using cognitive restructuring techniques to reframe irrational or unhelpful beliefs into more balanced and realistic perspectives.

Strength-Based

Strength- Based Therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on promoting growth, resilience and wellbeing. Assessing client strengths and help them to identify times where strength was utilized to get through situations in their lives. Helping clients change their mindset and reframing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Instilling a positive outlook in situations so that clients can overcome what they are facing.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

My approach focuses on helping clients change their relationship with their internal experiences, rather than attempting to eliminate uncomfortable emotions such as anxiety, guilt, or frustration. I normalize emotional responses and support clients in learning how to tolerate discomfort while continuing to engage in meaningful, values-driven behavior.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients learn how to navigate big emotions and challenging situations without feeling overwhelmed. DBT provides simple, practical skills for managing stress, improving communication, and staying present so you can respond rather than react and feel more in control of your life.

, 94 ratings

6 ratings with written reviews

December 3, 2025

Thank you What did we say we were gonna do about my appointments?

Verified client, age 55-64
Review shared after session 1 with Marissa

November 11, 2025

Marissa is amazing. Listens carefully, gives great solutions and methods for dealing with your problems/feelings. Makes sure you’re not alone in what you’re dealing with. You will have a sense of enlightenment and clarity after talking with her. Very relatable, laid back and has a sense of humor! Definitely would recommend her to anyone looking to talk to someone.

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 6 with Marissa

July 28, 2025

She made me feel very comfortable. I felt that I could really open up with her. She listened to everything that I had to say. She asks questions to go deeper into what is affecting me. I finished looking forward to my next session.

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 1 with Marissa