THERAPIST

Marissa Vermillera, MSW, Supervisee In Social Work

Marissa Vermillera, Supervisee in Social Work, is a warm, expressive, and creative individual who has a deep interest in finding what serves clients in reaching psychological growth, healing, and recovery. She has extensive experience in direct care, as well as policy and program development, prior to joining the Resilience team. Marissa has a deep interest and curiosity in the causes of individual psychological distress while also embracing an understanding of large-scale and systemic issues that oppress individuals and populations. She strives to balance an emphasis on both in therapeutic counseling to support clients in both understanding and ultimately finding ways to overcome their sources of pain. 

Marissa has an extensive background in the arts and offers numerous creative therapeutic interventions: music-based interventions (guitar, songwriting, singing); creative-writing interventions (aligned with the principles of Narrative Therapy); and movement/athletic interventions based on her experience as a competitive dancer, yoga practitioner, and long-distance runner. All creative offerings are tailored to individual needs and align with the goals of psychological health. Marissa has a keen interest in the concepts of Flow Psychology (striving towards optimal experience) and Post-traumatic Growth (strength following adversity), which she incorporates into sessions via mentoring and skill-based training. In addition to creative methods, Marissa is well-versed in traditional therapy methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Strategic Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, and Experiential Therapy, among others. 

Marissa has worked with individuals of all ages and embraces others from all walks of life. She is a trauma-informed therapist, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and culturally competent (based upon extensive experience in the foster care system, impoverished communities, and organizations focused on immigrant and refugee populations). Her breadth and depth of experience as well as openness to novelty and uniqueness position her as a wonderful “copilot” in navigating challenges and overcoming hardship. Her ultimate goal is to support individuals, couples, and families in finding the strength to create a life filled with joy, contentment, and both purpose-driven and meaningful experiences. She works with individuals aged 3 and up, couples, and families.