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Entry 348279California / United States

Marissa Dean

Marissa Dean, LMFT

California 5 years in practice

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LMFT - stress and relationship concerns

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  • CBT and DBT methods
  • Client-centered approach
  • Mindfulness and somatic work

About Marissa

LMFT in California with five years of experience, Marissa Dean focuses on stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship concerns, coping with life changes, grief, sleep problems, parenting, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and depression. She uses client-centered work alongside cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, psychodynamic methods, and somatic ideas. Marissa practices in English and brings a practical approach to therapy sessions.

Marissa frames sessions around what the person brings in that day. She prefers clear goals and simple skills people can use between meetings. Sessions involve talking through patterns, practicing mindfulness or grounding exercises, and trying behavioral changes that fit everyday life. She may draw on psychodynamic ideas to look at family of origin patterns and attachment issues when those seem relevant.

When people want to address trauma or dissociation, Marissa includes somatic awareness and pacing so the body’s reactions are considered as well as thoughts. For relationship and communication problems she often focuses on specific skills for clearer expression and boundary-setting. Smoking and vaping cessation work looks at habit triggers and small behavioral steps.

She also integrates conversations about faith when a client asks for Christian-informed work, including prayer or scripture when requested. Marissa notes that therapy is collaborative and that goals are set together. Her practice emphasizes practical, day-to-day strategies alongside longer-term reflection and meaning work.

Clients are asked to start by completing a short matching questionnaire and scheduling a first session. Fees vary by location and use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

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How her approaches translate to online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so a person can set their own goals. Online sessions using this approach tend to center on the client’s priorities and practical next steps.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions and uses short exercises and homework. In remote work that can mean brief skill practice during or between sessions and clear behavioral tasks to try between meetings.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Online sessions often teach these skills through demonstration and repeated practice, with attention to how skills fit daily routines.

Choosing the right blend of methods is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively to decide which approaches fit best based on a person’s goals, symptoms, and preferences. That choice can change over time as needs shift.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find remote sessions help fit therapy into work, childcare, or travel schedules, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, or make it easier to practice skills in real-life settings. Discuss scheduling and format options when you complete the matching questionnaire to find what fits your routine.

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Areas of expertise

Also works with

LGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefSleeping disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySomatic Therapy

Experience

5+ years

Listed in

California

Languages

English

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Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she address?

She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, grief, sleep problems, parenting strain, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and depression, among other areas listed in her profile.

What is her therapeutic style?

She uses a client-centered style with practical skills from CBT and DBT, mindfulness practices, psychodynamic reflection, and somatic techniques when relevant.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has five years of professional experience as a therapist working with the listed concerns.

What credential and location are listed?

She is an LMFT, licensed in California, and practices in that state.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English only.

Can international clients work with her?

International clients are not currently accepted according to the profile.

How are sessions paid for?

Fees vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the urgent help numbers.

Marissa Dean

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