Marissa Katz Bellani , LMHC

Marissa Katz Bellani is a licensed mental health counselor who helps people manage stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and relationship or intimacy concerns. She works with clients on issues related to addiction, LGBT matters, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, bipolar mood concerns, and coping with life changes. Marissa practices from Hawaii and offers counseling in English.

Her style is warm and interactive. Sessions focus on practical conversation and clear steps people can try between visits. She emphasizes listening first, then helps clients choose approaches that match their goals and personality.

Marissa draws from several ways of working, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, client-centered methods, and cognitive behavioral approaches. She also uses elements of existential thinking and relationship-focused techniques when helpful. The aim is to help clients notice what matters, shift unhelpful patterns, and build small routines that improve day-to-day life.

With eight years of experience as an LMHC, Marissa supports people dealing with complex family of origin concerns, communication problems, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and end-of-life issues. She also addresses attachment challenges, codependency, isolation, and forgiveness work.

Sessions are available online through video, phone, chat, or text messaging. Marissa works collaboratively to develop a plan that fits each person’s needs and schedules. To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule a session.

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that reflect their values. It focuses on small, meaningful steps to create more connection and purpose in daily life, which can help with anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches tools to change patterns that cause distress. It is useful for anxiety, mood concerns, and managing symptoms with concrete skills. Client-Centered Therapy centers the person’s experience and emphasizes empathetic listening, validation, and working at a comfortable pace; this approach suits people who want a supportive space to understand themselves better.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Marissa will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit best, adjust as progress happens, and combine techniques when helpful. The client’s goals and preferences guide the plan, and the clinician checks in regularly to refine it.

Online sessions are available by video call, phone, live chat, or text messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and needs. Video is well suited for deeper conversations and shared exercises, phone sessions work when bandwidth varies, live chat can support brief check-ins, and messaging helps people reflect between appointments. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives and to maintain continuity even when schedules change.