Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Gig Harbor, WA

The moment we start to think "who am I," "why am I like this," or "is this the true version of who I am" are moments I consider to be breakthroughs. Moments of self-reflection can be difficult to understand, difficult to seek answers, and just the thought seems bizarre or confusing. At times it may not even be self-reflection. Instead, it is the feeling of guilt, shame, worthlessness, or insecurities. It can also show up as anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, somatic symptoms, interpersonal challenges, or strain in quality of life. This is the result of exposure to or experiences of neglect and abuse during our lifetime.

Accepting NEW Clients - - - Are you living your best life? Are you feeling stuck? I provide evidence based treatments to help you experience a life with meaning and purpose and to feel better quickly. During our sessions, my goal is for you to feel unconditional acceptance and compassion in our relationship. My style is friendly, light-hearted and I use humor quite a bit. I will work with your strengths and unique needs to cultivate an environment where you can learn the skills to boost the quality of your life.

Life can be very confusing at times for all of us. I welcome you to take the time for yourself to gain perspective on life's struggles. There can be great benefits in the process! I treat depression/anxiety, trauma , ADHD, Eating Disorders, and marital issues. My office is warm and cozy as we journey together thru the healing process. I use a narrative, solution-focused, CBT modality, Lifespan Integration for clearing trauma , along with a bit of humor over life's bumps. You are welcome to join me for your heart, soul, and body health!

You are welcome here. Alder Wellness & Counseling, PLLC is named for the alder tree, a tree native to the Pacific Northwest known for its strength and balance, bridging and grounding. Often, our sense of well-being relies on finding balance in our lives. Emotional health is closely linked with physical and spiritual health. Sometimes, our well-being is thrown out of balance because of traumatic events, whether recent or from long ago. My goal is to help you find balance in your life in an individualized and holistic way.

Marissa has a Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of San Diego, California in 2017. During her graduate studies, Marissa received advanced courses in the following: trauma and risk assessment, human sexuality, psychopharmacology, addictions, evidence based theories, human development, law and ethics, clinical interviewing, multicultural counseling, and group counseling.

I'm taking new clients ages 9 years old to 99! I also see couples and conduct family counseling too. In all situations, I love to see clients grow and change, living life to the fullest and thriving in relationships and all life circumstances. When people come to see me, they notice that I care, and want to understand their life story. Together, we discover that our lived experiences have shaped how we think about the world. Using a trauma and cognitive focused lens, we navigate those experiences in a safe way to encourage healing and growth.

I am a partner in Summit Health Management, a group founded by an eclectic partnership of four established, experienced providers with the vision of offering a variety of therapeutic services to meet the needs of children, adolescents, adults, elders, couples, and families in our community. Our group’s mission is to provide the region with experienced, compassionate, professional, and proficient mental and behavioral health care. We offer a therapy and psychiatric care for all ages, presentations, relationships and disorders, including individual, couples, family and group therapy, as well as substance abuse recovery for all ages.

Healing often begins in the presence of another who can bear witness to the hurt and heartache endured. No one should have to walk the road of depression, anxiety, and trauma alone. I work collaboratively with clients to provide therapeutic services that best meet client's goals. I work primarily with adults dealing with  trauma , anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges.​ As a licensed mental health counselor associate (LMHCA), I provide a safe and confidential environment of unconditional acceptance for every client.

My goal as your therapist is to provide a welcoming space where you feel safe as I begin the process of earning your trust. Together we will collaborate in creating an individualized treatment plan to help you achieve your mental health goals. I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma and have the training and tools to help you process and heal in a safe environment. Your pain is welcome here. I also work with individuals who are suffering from depression and anxiety.

Are you an intelligent, driven, passionate person who is living a double life? You appear unflappable and levelheaded, but inside, you feel anxious, exhausted, and unsatisfied. These feelings are confusing because you have many of the things you wanted. You’ve had success in your personal life, your career, or as a parent, but everything feels SO HARD. You might also be wondering if there’s something wrong with you. Or maybe it makes total sense that you’d feel this way. Some events from your past are emerging. You suspect trauma and emotional wounds are at the root. But you don’t know how to deal with it.

Are you stressed and having difficulty getting along with your family or spouse? Can't get your partner into counseling but you need relationship help? Do you suspect you might have a mood disorder like bipolar? Are you haunted by trauma you can't shake? Are you struggling with abandonment fears and even self-inflicted violence? Are you living with adult autism or ADHD or other neurodiversity, or trying to manage a neurodiverse relationship? To get started, I offer free consultations by phone or a 30-minute face-to-face consult for $40. Call or email for an appointment (email is faster).

My style of therapy is warm, accepting and compassionate. I am here to walk alongside you as you navigate life's challenges and pursue personal growth. Therapy is the beginning of new possibilities and scheduling an appointment is a brave first step. I provide a safe space to share your story where you can explore difficult emotions and struggles. You may be experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma , difficult relationships, parenting struggles, grief or issues with work/life balance. You are the expert in your own life and your experiences are uniquely your own. We will work together to gain new skills and achieve desired goals.

We all can be vulnerable to the twists, turns, and pressures that life presents to us. I provide a safe, respectful, and comfortable space for you to learn how to better cope with life has brought you. I believe that you bring strengths, and resources with you that can help you to reach your goals in therapy and my approaches are matched to you as a unique individual. I have over 20 years experience working in a variety of areas such as treating trauma and abuse, dissociative disorders, parenting, divorce/separation, anxiety, and mood disorders.