Marissa Katz Bellani is a licensed mental health counselor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, and low self esteem. She offers a calm, down-to-earth presence and focuses on meeting each person where they are. Marissa works in English and is based in Hawaii.
She uses an interactive, person-centered style that lets clients set the pace and goals. Sessions often include practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy to shift unhelpful thoughts and routines. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ideas are used to help people notice what matters and take steps toward those values.
Marissa also draws on existential ideas to help clients find meaning when life feels uncertain. The Gottman Method informs her approach to relationship concerns, with clear, actionable strategies for communication and trust. She combines these methods with a warm, creative stance that can include expressive arts work when it fits a client's needs.
Her background includes a master of arts with a focus in music therapy and expressive arts therapies, and eight years of total experience in counseling roles. Marissa emphasizes a nonjudgmental, supportive relationship that helps people practice new ways of coping and relating.
People who prefer a collaborative, compassionate counselor may find her style a good fit. She encourages clients to bring their real-life struggles into sessions so they can work on concrete changes that matter day to day.
How therapy approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take small steps toward those values while learning to live with difficult thoughts or feelings. It can be useful for anxiety, low self esteem, and major life changes. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and building a trusting relationship so clients feel understood and can discover their own solutions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and uses practical exercises to change patterns that cause distress.
Finding the right approach is part of the clinical process. Marissa will collaborate with the client to pick methods that match goals, needs, and preferences. That choice can shift over time as new concerns or strengths emerge.
Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy day, avoid travel time, and keep momentum between appointments. Confirm the therapist's current session options before booking since the original profile specifies online therapy for Hawaii clients; this will clarify how sessions are scheduled and delivered. Many people find online work helps them practice skills in real life between meetings and brings therapy into their everyday routine.
Attachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy concerns, self esteem struggles, bipolar issues, trauma and related challenges.
What is her approach in therapy like?
Her style is warm and interactive, blending person-centered listening with practical techniques from CBT and ACT to address thoughts, behaviors, and values.
What experience does she bring?
She has eight years of experience in mental health roles and training that includes a background in music therapy and expressive arts therapies.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a licensed mental health counselor with MA LMHC and practices from Hawaii as a Hawaii LMHC.
Which languages are supported and can international clients connect?
Sessions are offered in English, and she does accept international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original profile indicates online therapy is offered to Hawaii clients; please confirm current session format options before booking.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the continue button on this profile, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a time according to therapist availability.
