Hi! My name is Marisa, I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Substance Use Disorder Professional in the State of Washington. I started working as a Substance Abuse Counselor in 2010 with Adolescents and discovered that mental health often intersected. I decided to attend graduate school at the University of Denver for my Master's in Social Work with a concentration in Family Systems and the Animal-Assisted Social Work Certificate. While at DU I completed three classes in the Psychology Department focused on Military culture and treatment. While in my second year of graduate school, I started a two year Post- Graduate Program at the Denver Family Institute for training and education for Marriage and Family Therapy. I graduated from that program in February 2019.
I have worked in a wide array of jobs from Drug Court to Pregnant and Postpartum Women in residential treatment. I have worked with wide range of concerns including, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, relationship issues, communication, family conflict, addiction and trauma.
My counseling style is strength based with interjections of humor and fun when appropriate. I often hear counseling described as being painful but I believe that the process should also consist of positivity, learning and growth. My approach is person-centered and combines techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, EMDR and Narrative Therapy. I will tailor my approach based on best fit for your goals.
I believe that you are the expert in your life and I am here to assist you in any way possible to overcome challenges. I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals!
I currently offer evening and some weekend appointments.
Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Grief, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes, ADHD, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Drug and alcohol addiction, Family of origin issues, Family problems, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Mood disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-harm, Sexual assault and abuse, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
WA LICSW LW61106044
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Marisa Schaff. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
She’s so amazing! Marisa was always there when I really just needed someone to listen and validate my feelings and experiences! She let me lead in our sessions and I never felt forced into an agenda or specific plan. All of our sessions felt free and not always solution-oriented. Even with my long text messages, I never felt like a burden which was an amazing feeling! Highly would recommend!
Written on Aug 03, 2022 after therapy with Marisa for 9 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and intimacy-related issues
Marisa is a very kind and funny (when appropriate) therapist, who I felt completely comfortable being vulnerable around. I would recommend her with absolutely anyone. She helped ease me back into therapy again, and I’ll always be thankful. I’m in a lot better spot now.
Written on Mar 30, 2022 after therapy with Marisa for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Marisa is a great therapist/counselor. She presents herself well, is a great listener and has given me the kind of support I needed. I do not think I could be happier with who Better Help paired me with.
Written on Jan 06, 2022 after therapy with Marisa for 5 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and intimacy-related issues
Marisa is very attentive and listens with an unbiased ear. BetterHelp is just so expensive.
Written on Dec 01, 2021 after therapy with Marisa for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
She is an amazing awesome therapist and person. Very understanding and willing to help with anything that is going on in your life or relationship.
Written on Oct 16, 2021 after therapy with Marisa for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes