- Music informed
- Values focused
- Relationship help
About Marissa
Marissa Katz Bellani is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) based in Hawaii who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, depression, addictions, and identity concerns. She works with people navigating intimacy issues, self-esteem struggles, bipolar mood challenges, and life transitions. Her style is warm and interactive and she aims to meet clients where they are.
Marissa draws on both creative and talk-based methods. She has a background that includes music therapy and expressive arts approaches alongside person-centered listening. Sessions often mix gentle activities with straightforward conversation to help people notice what matters and make small, steady changes.
Her approach includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside client-centered and existential ideas. She also uses elements of the Gottman Method for relationship concerns. These tools are used to build skills for managing feelings, improving communication, and finding clearer values-driven goals.
Marissa brings eight years of experience in mental health work and internships. She describes herself as nonjudgmental and supportive, focusing on practical steps toward a calmer, more balanced inner life. She is comfortable addressing complex family of origin issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness concerns, codependency patterns, and experiences of trauma and loss.
Sessions are offered in English and Marissa accepts international clients. Because session formats can change, confirm current options before booking to ensure they fit your needs.
Approaches to online healing and practical care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping you notice unhelpful thoughts and commit to actions that reflect your values. It can be useful for anxiety, life transitions, and making steady changes when emotions feel overwhelming. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches concrete skills to reduce distress and improve day-to-day functioning. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and empathy so that you feel understood and can lead the pace of change.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Marissa treats the choice of methods as a collaboration, adjusting techniques to match your needs, goals, and preferences. She will talk with you about what feels most helpful and try different strategies until you find a good fit.
Confirm the specific session options before booking, as formats can change. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. They also let people join from other locations when scheduled, which can help maintain consistency during life transitions.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Marissa help address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related concerns, plus a variety of relationship and family origin issues.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style is warm and interactive, blending creative activities with talk therapy and collaborative planning to help you make practical changes.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has eight years of work and internship experience in mental health settings.
What credentials does she hold and where is she located?
She holds an MA and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC); she practices from Hawaii.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English, and she also accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Session formats are not listed in detail here; please confirm current session options with the service before booking to know which formats are offered.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Marissa?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.