Marissa Abate

Healing from addiction, trauma, and the weight of co-occurring conditions takes more than willpower. I'm Marissa, an LCSW and CASAC Master with nearly a decade of experience walking alongside individuals and families at every stage of recovery, from residential care to outpatient and beyond. My approach is grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapy model that helps you understand and make peace with the different "parts" of yourself — including the ones you may have a difficult relationship with. I also bring a spiritual lens to this work when it's meaningful to you, because healing isn't just about symptoms; it's about feeling whole again. Whether this is the first time you've considered seeking help as someone struggling with addiction yourself or loving someone through theirs — or you've been in recovery or therapy for a while, it would be a privilege to walk alongside you on your journey.

My approach is rooted in the belief that you already have everything you need within you to heal — my job isn't to fix you, but to help you access the wisdom, strength, and clarity that's already there. You know yourself best. In practice, that means we will work together using Internal Family Systems (IFS) to understand the different parts of yourself and why they show up when they do, often with more compassion than criticism. I also draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Trauma-Focused CBT depending on what fits your situation best. Above all, I meet each client where they are, creating a space where they feel safe enough to reconnect with their own inner resilience. Together, we'll work at your pace to build the tools and insight you need to move through difficult emotions, break unhelpful patterns, and build a life that feels meaningful and whole.

In your first session, you can expect a warm, low-pressure conversation. My goal is to get to know you as a person, not just a diagnosis or a list of symptoms. We'll talk about what's brought you to therapy, what you're hoping will feel different, and any history that feels relevant to share (you're always in control of what and how much you share). I'll also explain a bit about how I work, including if and how Internal Family Systems might fit into our sessions so you know what to expect going forward. By the end of our time together, my hope is that you leave feeling heard, a little lighter, and with a sense of what our work together could look like.