Hello! My name is Marisa, and I am working on my Marriage and Family Counseling degree at the University of Florida. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Family & Child Sciences and Creative Writing from Florida State University. How we view and tell our stories makes up how we live our lives, and I am here to honor your story.
My foundational work with sexual trauma and interpersonal violence showed me that warmth and authenticity are two critical elements that I will prioritize in our therapeutic space, and through that, we can explore anything you feel comfortable bringing. We will discuss your identities and how they intersect and influence your narrative.
I take an integrative approach to counseling, utilizing Family Systems and Narrative Counseling because I believe in validating your unique perspective that there is no one universal truth and we are all part of a greater system. I am passionate about working with couples and families and believe that healthy relationships enhance the fullness of our hearts. I hope to be a space where you can make meaning from your story, identify and discuss healthy functioning patterns, and grow toward your own sunlight. I am excited to work with you!
The arena is a place of contact; it is a place of imperfection, but also of showing up. It is not always a comfortable place, but rather a place of courage and risk.
It is our hope that Arena will be a place ofdiscovery, healing, of life, of hope, of freedom, and of coming home to yourself.
