Marissa Gaven

I’m direct, engaged, and client-driven—and I curse a lot in sessions. I work best with clients who’ve been through hell and are ready to grow and heal from those experiences. I believe therapy works best when there’s a strong foundational fit. If what you’ve read resonates, great—let’s explore working together; if it doesn’t, that’s just as important to know as well! I’m a trauma-informed EMDR therapist who works with childhood trauma, complex trauma (C-PTSD), depression, anxiety, and grief. I take an integrative approach, pulling from multiple modalities rather than forcing you into one box. I also incorporate creative expression into sessions—especially music—because sometimes words just don’t cut it.

My approach to treatment is collaborative, creative, and tailored to you, not copied and pasted directly from a trending formula. I’m realistic, compassionate, humorous (when appropriate), and not afraid to challenge you when you need it. We’ll celebrate your wins and make space for the losses too—because both matter, and neither cancels the other out. I’m authentic, transparent, and to the point. You won’t have to decode what I’m thinking or try to guess where we’re going in sessions. The tone I set is compassionate and real—no sugarcoating, no jargon, just genuine human conversation.

Our first session will mostly be about getting to know each other – I’ll ask you questions, you’ll share what you’d like to about your life and what you’re hoping for, and we’ll start determining what your needs are and if our therapeutic relationship is a good fit. No need to have it all figured out beforehand; just show up as you are and we’ll go from there. I’m genuinely looking forward to meeting you and hearing your story. We’ll work together to establish your treatment goals; and, throughout your journey, your progress will be measured by how you feel and by your own lived experience – not through busywork. I don’t assign homework or push self-help materials; that’s definitely not my style. I’d rather do the work with you in session, where it actually counts. All you have to do is show up!