Marisa Schaff , LICSW

Marisa Schaff is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in Washington who focuses on women's issues and related concerns. She helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, and challenges with intimacy and self-esteem. Marisa uses a down-to-earth style that mixes practical skills with moments of lightness to make difficult work easier to do.

She began as a substance abuse counselor in 2010 and went on to earn a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver. Marisa has worked in settings that include drug court and residential programs for pregnant and postpartum women, which shaped her understanding of how substance use and mental health overlap.

Marisa draws on a range of approaches to match each person's needs. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address unhelpful thinking and behavior, Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills for emotional regulation, and EMDR for people processing trauma. She also incorporates mindfulness and motivational interviewing when those tools fit.

Her style is strength-focused and person-centered, with practical strategies and clear goals. Sessions often include skill practice, problem-solving, and reflection on patterns that get in the way of progress.

Marisa offers evening and some weekend appointments and provides services in English. She works with people facing grief, family conflict, ADHD, bipolar challenges, and life transitions, helping them find manageable steps toward their goals.

How these approaches translate to online care

Marisa commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR alongside mindfulness practices to address a range of concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through concrete skill practice, which adapts well to video or phone sessions. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is used with trauma-related memories and can be guided remotely with planned pacing and check-ins. Mindfulness therapy focuses on simple attention and breathing exercises that can be taught and practiced during live sessions.

Choosing the right method is collaborative. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences, try approaches that fit the person's needs, and adjust strategies over time. That way people can see what helps and shift course when something isn't working.

Online sessions offer flexible ways to connect. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and screen-sharing for worksheets. Phone sessions work when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging let people check in between sessions or share brief updates when a full appointment isn't possible. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and different life rhythms.