About Marissa

Pronouns: she/her

I hold a Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from University of Southern California. I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating depression, anxiety, and complex trauma. My experience spans both community mental health and intensive outpatient/ partial hospitalization treatment settings, where I’ve supported clients through a range of emotional challenges. 

My Approach

I view therapy as a collaborative space where you can explore who you are and who you want to become. I strive to be a supportive teammate in your healing journey, helping you access your most authentic self. This process looks different for everyone but often involves identifying core values, cultivating self-compassion, and building self-esteem. We’ll look at the patterns that may be keeping you stuck and work toward developing insight and practical coping tools for lasting growth.

My practice is trauma-informed, emphasizing emotional safety, choice, and collaboration. I have specialized training in working with teens, complex trauma, and families, and I’m equipped to support clients across a broad spectrum of clinical concerns.

In our sessions, you can expect a warm, supportive environment where curiosity and compassion guide our work. I aim to create a space where you can express yourself, gain clarity, and explore new ways of relating to yourself and others. While therapy can be challenging at times, it’s also a space for growth, healing, and rediscovering your strengths. Together, we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable and sustainable for you.

My approach is grounded in a relational and psychodynamic framework and draws from evidence-based modalities such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I weave these approaches together to meet your unique needs, helping you make meaning of your experiences and move toward greater emotional freedom. 

Marissa Kugler, AMFT 140313 is supervised by Kaley Leshem, LCSW 98405