Meet Marissa
Founder of Art of the Heart Counseling Services
Licensed Professional Counselor &
Art Therapist
Hello!
Welcome to Art of the Heart
Counseling Services.
​​I am an experienced Licensed Professional Counselor and art therapist with a history of working with trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, family conflict, life transitions, parenting needs, ADHD, and children with autism or developmental delays. In addition to individual and family therapy, my work has also included developing and running art therapy groups for children, teens, and adults focusing on emotional regulation, mindfulness, and identity and self-exploration.
​
Following the completion of my Master's Degree in Art Therapy and counseling at Albertus Magnus College, I worked at mental health clinics, including serving as a Clinical Instructor for Child Counseling and art therapist with Yale University at the Yale Child Study Center, until I opened my private practice in 2022. During this time, I continued to engage in ongoing training to acquire certifications for a number of evidence-based treatments. This collected knowledge, experience, and passion for lifelong learning has given me the skills to offer the most appropriate therapeutic method to meet your unique treatment needs.
My (unofficial) co-therapist, Kenshi, sometimes joined us during telehealth appointments. He's retired now and enjoying a life of treats and naps by a sunny window.
What treatment needs do I work with?
​
I specialize and have extensive experience in
working with the following:
​
Mood Disorders and Depression
Anxiety Disorders
Anger Management
Trauma and PTSD
Social Skills Development
Selective Mutism
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
ADHD and ODD
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Executive Functioning Support
Attachment/Parent-Child Relationships
Family Relationships
Gender Identity and LGBTQ+
Disruptive Behaviors
School Avoidance
Behavioral Plans
Parenting Support
Grief Processing
What evidence-based treatment methods have I received specialized training or certifications in?
Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) for OCD​​
International OCD Foundation: Behavior Therapy Training Institute
A form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that focuses on purposeful gradual exposure to anxiety-inducing thoughts, images, and situations that trigger obsessions, and learning strategies to no longer engage in compulsive behaviors. ​​​
​
RUBI Autism Network: Parent Training for Disruptive Behaviors
Nationwide Children's Hospital
Parent training for reducing disruptive behaviors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Includes skill-building and guided development of a comprehensive Behavior Support Plan containing a description of child-specific needs and interventions.
Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI)
Yale School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center
A brief (5-8 sessions), evidenced-based early trauma intervention that focuses on reducing traumatic stress symptoms that occur within 30-45 days following a traumatic event or disclosure of abuse. The goal is to reduce traumatic stress and onset of PTSD by increasing communication and family support.
​
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)
Yale School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center
A parent-based treatment program for children and teens with Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder focusing on learning skills to respond supportively to the anxious child while reducing accommodations used to manage the child's symptoms, while increasing the child's independence and competency to engage in activities.
​
Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC)
The Child Development and Health Institute
An intervention developed for children, teens, and caregiver/parents who have experienced complex trauma focusing on strengths-based work for the caregiver/parent, teaching children how to manage their emotions, and increasing resilience in children.
​
Parent Management Training (PMT)
Yale School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center
A 14-week parent-based intervention designed to improve oppositional defiant behaviors in children and teens using behavior management practices. PMT is one of the most well-established treatment for disruptive behaviors.
​
Anger Management Treatment Professional
International Trauma Training Institute
​
Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Counselor
The Center for Family Justice
Not sure which treatment is right for you? Please feel free to contact me directly here, or click here to learn about other talk therapy or art therapy options for individuals or groups.
What's my therapy style?
My counseling style is warm, comforting, exploratory, and solution-focused. In this space, you will always be respected for who you are - no matter what.
​
It is my belief that understanding the WHY of our thoughts, feelings, and actions is the first step to resolution and healing.
We will work together to figure out how to best resolve any challenges. You are the driver of your treatment. My role is to help you gain understanding of yourself, help you get unstuck when you feel stuck, and give you direction and support when you need it.
​
Those that work with me find that I am open, empathetic, and flexible. Our sessions are designed to meet your unique needs at the moment - whether that involves serious dialogue, exploration, problem solving, comforting, play and fun, creative expression, or sitting in silence together.
Your needs matter.
​
I am a firm believer in hope that things can get better, as long as we learn to accept the things we can not change and work on improving the things that we can.​
​
​
I will not rescue you.
For you are not powerless.
I will not fix you.
For you are not broken.
I will not heal you.
For I see you, in your wholeness.
I will walk with you through the darkness
As you remember your light.
- Sheree Bliss Tilsley -
Back To Top