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Marissa O'Connor

LPC, 3 years of experience

New to Grow

Virtual
Next available on

About me

Hello and welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. Reaching out for counseling is a brave first step, and it’s an honor to walk alongside you on your journey. In our sessions, I aim to create a compassionate, supportive space that’s rooted in research-based, client-centered care. My approach draws from a variety of perspectives, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed care, and mindfulness practices. I like to remind clients that therapy is their space—whether that means exploring the weight of anxiety and depression, navigating family stress, or even sharing the excitement of a favorite sports team. Wherever you are, I’m here to meet you with openness, understanding, and encouragement.

Get to know me

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

Your first session is all about creating a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported. I know that beginning therapy can feel a little uncertain, so my goal is to make our time together as comfortable and welcoming as possible. During our first meeting, we’ll take things at your pace. I’ll spend time getting to know you—what brings you to therapy, what’s been feeling challenging lately, and what you hope to gain from our work together. This session is also a chance for you to get to know me, ask questions, and see if my approach feels like the right fit for you. We’ll talk about what you’d like your goals to be, but there’s no pressure to have everything figured out right away. Sometimes, just showing up is the biggest and most important first step. Above all, this is a space for you to be yourself. My hope is that you leave our first session feeling seen, supported, and hopeful about the path ahead.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

As a therapist, I believe that no two people are exactly alike—so therapy shouldn’t be either. What makes my approach unique is my commitment to creating a space that feels truly individualized for each client I work with. I strive to bring kindness, empathy, and authenticity into every session. My goal is for clients to feel genuinely cared for and understood, while also being gently encouraged to take meaningful steps toward growth and healing. I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches—such as CBT, ACT, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness-based practices—to tailor our work together to your specific needs and goals. Whether you’re navigating life transitions, healing from past experiences, or simply wanting to understand yourself on a deeper level, we’ll collaborate to find the path that feels right for you. Above all, I want therapy to be a place where you feel safe to explore, supported in your journey, and empowered to create lasting change in your life.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Taking the step to begin therapy is not easy, and I deeply admire your courage in choosing to focus on your growth and well-being. I specialize in working with young adults and adults who are ready to create meaningful change in their lives. Whether you’re entering college, graduating and finding your next path, adjusting to marriage, navigating new parenthood, or healing after leaving an unhealthy or abusive relationship — I’m here to support you through these transitions. I also have a passion for working with individuals who have experienced trauma. Together, we’ll focus on finding healing and empowerment — learning to acknowledge your past without letting it define your future. In our sessions, you can expect a safe and nonjudgmental space where you’re free to show up as you are. My goal is to help you rediscover your strengths, build resilience, and create a life that feels balanced, fulfilling, and true to you.

Specialties

Top specialties

Anxiety

Other specialties

ADHDChild or AdolescentCrisis InterventionDepressionSelf EsteemSpirituality

I identify as

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

My treatment methods

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

My experience has been positive utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It can be very beneficial for clients understanding their coping skills in situations that they currently cannot remove themselves from, and how to push through the challenge and reflect on it once it is over.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I utilize CBT to assist in clients retraining their thought patterns about their behaviors, thought processes, and themselves. It has been especially helpful with those struggling with OCD and anxiety.

Compassion Focused

My stance on therapy is allowing the client to lead, and for me as their therapist to be their guide. I come from a deep place of compassion and empathy for my clients, and I understand that each client's experiences are unique to them.

Mind-body approach

I use the mind-body approach as often as I can with a diverse range of clients. I have seen it be most beneficial with those who have experienced trauma, and how the trauma manifests in different areas of their bodies.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

New to Grow
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.