I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in Ohio. I earned my Master’s degree from John Carroll University, and I specialize in supporting women who are ready to heal from trauma, reclaim their confidence, and create a more balanced life. My approach is holistic and personalized, focusing on you as a whole person—emotionally, mentally, and physically. I work with women facing challenges like anxiety, self-doubt, grief, stress, and trauma. I’m passionate about helping you break free from old patterns that no longer serve you, so you can embrace a life aligned with your true self. Whether you’re dealing with past wounds, emotional overwhelm, or difficulty finding balance, my goal is to empower you with practical tools and ongoing support to create lasting change. My therapeutic approach combines evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and mindfulness techniques. I also incorporate holistic strategies such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management to support both emotional and physical healing. When we work together, you’ll not only talk about your struggles—you’ll take actionable steps toward becoming your best, most empowered self. I believe in meeting you where you are with compassion, respect, and real-life strategies that work. My goal is to walk alongside you as you heal, grow, and move forward into the life you deserve.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, you’ll have space to share what’s on your mind—no pressure, no need to have it all figured out. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, what you’ve been carrying, and what you hope to feel or experience differently. I’ll ask a few questions to better understand your story and needs, and we’ll start shaping some initial goals together. You can expect a calm, nonjudgmental space where you’re met with compassion, curiosity, and respect. My goal is for you to leave that first session feeling seen, supported, and hopeful about what’s possible—and with a clearer sense of how therapy can support your healing and growth.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
What sets me apart is how I approach healing through the lens of both emotional and physical well-being. My journey started with a passion for the medical field, but I quickly realized how often unresolved trauma, chronic stress, and anxiety show up in the body just as much as the mind. That understanding led me to specialize in trauma recovery through a mind-body approach. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP), I blend evidence-based therapy with holistic strategies to support the whole person. I bring curiosity, empathy, and down-to-earth tools into each session—helping you reframe negative thoughts, regulate your nervous system, and rebuild a strong sense of self. I’m here to walk with you, not just talk at you—because healing is personal, and real change happens when you do the work.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I work with women who are ready to move beyond survival mode and create meaningful change. If you're feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, anxious, or stuck in patterns of people-pleasing or self-doubt, I’m here to help you break free. I support women navigating trauma, chronic stress, low self-esteem, boundary struggles, and grief. Many of my clients are high-functioning but emotionally drained—doing all the things, yet still feeling disconnected from themselves. In our work together, we’ll explore what’s been weighing you down and build practical tools to help you feel more grounded, empowered, and emotionally resilient. Therapy is your space to reconnect with yourself, shed old patterns, and create a life that aligns with who you truly are.
About Marisa Rayford
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use ACT to help clients build psychological flexibility and develop a healthier relationship with their thoughts and emotions. Through mindfulness and value-based action, I guide clients in moving toward a more meaningful and fulfilling life, even in the presence of difficult feelings.
Faith based therapy
For clients seeking a faith-based approach, I thoughtfully integrate Christian values and principles into therapy to nurture emotional healing, spiritual growth, and personal transformation. I honor each client’s unique journey and create a supportive space where faith and mental health work hand-in-hand to promote holistic well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify, challenge, and reframe unhelpful thought patterns that fuel anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. The focus is on equipping clients with practical, evidence-based strategies to manage distress, shift negative thinking, and foster long-term emotional resilience and well-being.
Trauma Informed Care
As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), my approach is deeply rooted in trauma-informed care principles, emphasizing safety, trust, empowerment, and collaboration. I help clients understand the impact of trauma on both the mind and body, equipping them with tools for emotional regulation, resilience, and self-healing. I also integrate Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to support those navigating childhood, complex, or relational trauma. Using gradual exposure, cognitive restructuring, and emotional processing techniques, I guide clients in reducing trauma symptoms, rebuilding a sense of safety, and reclaiming their lives.
Grief Therapy
In grief therapy, I help clients navigate the complex emotions that come with all forms of loss—not just the death of a loved one, but also the grief that can arise from major life changes, the end of relationships, or letting go of outdated versions of themselves. I provide a compassionate, supportive space for clients to process their experiences, honor what was, and find meaning and healing in their growth.