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, LMFT 160816