- Trauma support
- Mindfulness tools
- Goal-focused work
About Marisela
Marisela Cuellar-VanHouten is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Michigan who helps people with sleep problems alongside a wide range of concerns. She supports people coping with trauma and abuse, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, grief, caregiver stress, and relationship or intimacy-related issues. She also works on self-esteem, anger, motivation, and career or coaching questions.
She has ten years of direct individual therapy experience and several additional decades in related professional roles. That background informs a practical, patient approach. Marisela emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in every conversation.
Her style is collaborative and straightforward. Sessions focus on what matters to the person sitting in the room. She listens first, then helps set clear, manageable goals and steps to reach them.
Marisela draws on several evidence-based approaches to guide therapy while keeping treatment tailored to each person. She uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, client-centered techniques, and mindfulness practices as tools rather than fixed rules.
She is an LGBTQ+ ally and pays attention to cultural background when shaping a plan. People who choose to work with her can expect a calm, respectful space where practical strategies and real-life goals are the focus.
How certain therapy approaches can help online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for sleep struggles, stress, and coping with life changes by focusing on small valued steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change patterns that keep problems going, which often helps with insomnia, anxiety, and mood symptoms. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices that reduce rumination and tension, and these techniques often support better rest and calmer evenings.Finding the right approach is a joint process. The therapist will talk with the person about goals, concerns, and preferences, then try methods that fit. Changes are paced to what the person feels ready for, and techniques are adjusted as needed based on progress and feedback.
Confirm the current online session options before booking so you know how sessions are scheduled. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments around work, caregiving, or medical needs. It often means shorter travel time, quicker check-ins, and easier access to tools like guided mindfulness or homework exercises between meetings. Licensed professionals can use these methods to help people build routines that support better sleep and everyday functioning.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Credentials
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Marisela address?
She helps with sleep and resting difficulties plus trauma and abuse, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, grief, caregiver stress, relationship and intimacy-related concerns, self-esteem, anger, ADHD, and related issues.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is collaborative and straightforward. She listens closely, sets clear goals, and uses practical steps to help people make changes.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has ten years of experience providing individual therapy and additional professional experience in related roles across her career.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
Marisela holds an LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker, and she practices in Michigan.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with her?
International clients are not accepted at this time.
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 Marisela?
Use the Start Therapy button, fill out a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.