Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Sarasota, FL

I offers a warm, non-judgmental therapeutic experience grounded in genuine connection and collaboration. I work with adolescents and adults, and I am especially passionate about supporting you in deepening self-understanding, fostering harmony within yourself and in your relationships, and building a life that reflects your values and sense of purpose. I bring experience from many years of working in multiple levels of dual-diagnosis care. I have been a registered yoga teacher for 10 years, and enjoy incorporating mind–body practices into therapeutic work.

Drawing from twenty years of experience in education and principal of therapeutic schools, I have developed the art of conflict resolution with reticent learners, with parents, with couples and individuals. I have the skillset to support people and transform their perceptions of self to cope with communication issues, anger, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and trauma. My empathetic approach offers people to find positive and creative techniques. I am highly gifted in working to establish and enhance relationships between parent and child/husband and wife using conflict resolution to create opportunities. As a clinician of almost ten years, I interact exceedingly well with individuals and couples to support positive communication and achieve personal growth whether it be in a marriage, parenting/school skills, or within oneself. My understanding, compassion, and acceptance of people when they enter therapy create a safe and trusting environment to unpack problems and develop strategies that enhance well-being, stability, and alternative perspectives on how to address struggles/conflicts.

Hello there!

My name is Marisa and I am a licensed mental health counselor with over 6 years of experience providing mental health services to individuals from widely diverse backgrounds, with varying symptoms and diagnoses. Throughout the past couple of years, I have been predominately working with women (adults and teens) who experience anxiety, trauma/PTSD, mood disorders, and interpersonal and intrapersonal challenges. While many of the clients I support have experienced trauma, particularly in some form of abuse, I am equipped to work with clients with a wide range of additional concerns, as well.

My experience centers on supporting clients of all ages through a wide range of life challenges. Guided by a solution-focused perspective, I believe holistic healing is a foundational part of effective client care. I am trained in EMDR, a therapeutic modality that helps clients process trauma and other difficult life experiences that may interfere with personal growth, relationships, and mental health. I work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, life transitions, emotional overwhelm, and other concerns that can make it difficult to feel grounded or move forward. I hold a master’s degree from Colorado Christian University and have received training in both play therapy and EMDR. I have also worked with clients experiencing dual diagnoses within the field of substance use disorders, which has deepened my understanding of the connection between emotional pain, coping, and healing.

I have nearly a decade of experience working with a variety of individuals with many backgrounds. I emphasize the importance of a trauma-informed and supportive approach. I have expertise in treating a number of diagnoses, including ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and trauma. I offer a number of modalities, including CBT, MI, DBT, EMDR and IFS.

I chose to practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner because I am passionate about helping individuals improve their mental health and overall quality of life. Mental health challenges can significantly affect every aspect of a person’s well-being, relationships, and daily functioning, and I believe compassionate, patient-centered care can make a meaningful difference.

I’m not your typical therapist—and I don’t try to be. I’m warm, honest, and believe a little humor belongs in therapy when it fits. I specialize in helping adults navigate trauma, anxiety, ADHD, relationship challenges, and identity, especially when old patterns leave you feeling stuck or disconnected from yourself. My goal is to create a space that feels less clinical and more like a grounded, genuine conversation where you can reconnect with yourself, heal, and make room for more joy and ease.