Marissa Ross, LPC

Therapeutic Style + Approach

What can clients expect during their first session with you?

The first session is focused on building rapport and establishing trust, with the goal of creating a comfortable space where we can move at your pace. We will typically explore any initial goals you have for yourself, and, if you're open to it, we may touch on the events that led you to seek support. Above all, I want to get to know you as a person, so I always welcome hearing about your interests and hobbies, which help me tailor our work together in a way that feels relevant and engaging. If your child is the one seeking therapy, the first session will be spent meeting with you, the parent, for part of the time to discuss the presenting concern. The remainder of the session will be focused on engaging with your child through activities, games, or conversations they enjoy, allowing us to build a connection that will help them feel comfortable and open to working on their goals in future sessions.

Personal Touch + Personality

How would you describe yourself outside of your role as a therapist?

Outside of being a therapist, I am a very social person who enjoys spending lots of time with my family and friends! I am a HUGE animal lover. My family has adopted a rescue dog, Bentley, and rescue cat, Ellie, from Antigua who give all the love (and chaos, at times) to us. I also enjoy trying different workout classes (hot yoga being one of my favorites right now), trying new restaurants, anything outdoors (especially at the beach), and currently experimenting more with baking desserts! 

WORKING WITH CLIENTS

How do you tailor your methods to meet the unique needs of each client?

I've often shared with clients that the credit for their achievements truly belongs to them, not to me. While I bring training in various therapeutic techniques, it is ultimately the client who applies those strategies and makes the changes in their own life. My role is to offer tools and interventions that I believe could be helpful based on my expertise, but it's up to the client to decide what resonates with them. If an approach doesn’t feel like the right fit, we’ll work together to explore other creative solutions that better suit their needs. This is especially true when working with children, where flexibility is key. No two children are alike, so I always prepare multiple strategies—Plan A, Plan B, and sometimes even Plan C (or D, E, & F)—to ensure we find the most effective approach to support their growth and help them reach their goals. It’s a collaborative process, and I deeply respect the unique path each client takes toward their success.

Therapy Philosophy

What’s a common myth about therapy you wish you could debunk?

I see sometimes that therapy is often misunderstood as something only necessary during a crisis or when someone is at their "breaking point." In reality, therapy can be a valuable tool at any point in life, whether you or your child is navigating a challenging situation, seeking personal growth, or simply wanting some extra support. Life is full of transitions—changes in relationships, career, family dynamics, or personal goals—and therapy can offer guidance, perspective, and tools to navigate these moments with greater ease and clarity. Even when things seem relatively stable, therapy provides an opportunity for self-reflection, exploration, and deeper understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It’s not about waiting until things fall apart, but rather proactively investing in you or your child's emotional and mental well-being at any stage or season of life. 

Personal Well-Being +  Self-Care

Can you share a personal strategy you use to manage stress?

I personally look to exercise as a way to manage stress! Even better, exercising with friends or joining a group fitness community can also add an additional layer of support during challenging moments, which is something I value greatly. 

Final Thoughts + Encouragement

If a client could only remember one thing after a session with you, what would you hope it would be?

I want all of my clients to know, especially my child clients who are just learning to understand emotions, that there are no "bad" emotions. There are emotions that are definitely more challenging to navigate than others, but all emotions are normal, provide us with information about how we are interpreting our experiences, and benefit from being regarding non-judgmentally.