- Practical sleep skills
- Client-centered care
- Faith integrated if wanted
About Marissa
Marissa Dean, LMFT, helps people facing sleep problems, stress, anxiety, depression, and life changes. She focuses on practical ways to rest better and feel more in control. Her style is warm and collaborative, and she aims to make hard problems feel more manageable.
Marissa uses a mix of talking, body-focused techniques, and gentle exploration of past patterns. Sessions often combine present-moment skills with attention to how stress shows up in the body. When clients want, spiritual beliefs and prayer can be woven into the work to match personal values.
Her approach is client-centered, which means she tailors each step to the person sitting in front of her. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools may be used to change sleep habits and unhelpful thoughts. Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills can support emotion regulation and coping in tense moments.
Marissa brings five years of clinical experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working in California. She draws on psychodynamic ideas to notice long-running patterns that affect relationships and rest, while also using somatic techniques to address how the body holds stress.
In sessions, people can expect clear, practical suggestions alongside space to talk through difficult memories and current concerns. She supports work on grief, addiction, parenting strain, attachment and self-esteem issues, and helps people address habits like smoking or vaping that interfere with sleep.
Before scheduling, readers should confirm current session options and formats with the practice to ensure they match their needs.
How therapy approaches are used online
Marissa uses Client-Centered Therapy to focus on the client's priorities and pace. This approach means sessions center on what the person wants to work on and adapts to their goals and comfort level.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provides concrete tools for changing thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep and mood. CBT often includes habit changes, sleep routines, and brief exercises to try between sessions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills are sometimes used to strengthen emotion regulation and distress tolerance. These skills help when anxiety or intense feelings are making it hard to rest or cope with cravings or urges.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options and try methods that fit each person’s needs, goals, and preferences in a collaborative way.
Confirm the current session formats before booking, since this profile does not list specific online or in-person options. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Talk with the therapist about what will work best for scheduling, session length, and whether to include skill practice between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What sleep and rest problems are addressed?
She supports people with sleeping difficulties alongside stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, and life transitions that disrupt rest.
How would you describe the therapy style?
The style is collaborative and down-to-earth, combining talk therapy with body-centered techniques and practical skill teaching.
What kind of experience does the therapist have?
Marissa has five years of clinical experience working as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California.
What credentials and location are listed?
The clinician is listed as an LMFT with practice based in California.
Which languages and international clients are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session formats and options with the practice before booking, as formats are not specified in this profile.
How does billing or cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with this therapist?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.