- Years in practice
- 7
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- New York
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Trauma and abuse
- Focus
- Self esteem
About Marissa
Marissa O'Connor is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in New York. She focuses on common parenting worries like stress, sleep and eating problems, and managing anxiety while juggling family life. She also helps people facing depression, trauma, relationship strain, anger, and changes that come with big life transitions.
Her style is warm and nonjudgmental. She uses a strengths-based outlook to help people notice what is already working and build on it.
Background and approach
Sessions aim to be practical and down-to-earth, with clear steps to try between meetings. Marissa blends several therapy methods to match each person's needs. She draws on client-centered work to keep conversations focused on the person's goals.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to spot unhelpful thinking and try different behaviors. Dialectical Behavior Therapy and mindfulness tools are included for emotion regulation and coping skills. With seven years of experience as an LCSW, she meets people where they are and works collaboratively on realistic goals.
Marissa also uses motivational interviewing to support shifts in behavior and to enhance commitment to change. People should expect a tailored plan rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Sessions may include skills practice, short-term problem solving, and coaching around parenting challenges.
The aim is steady, manageable progress toward a more balanced daily life.
What Marissa works with
Everything Marissa lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Marissa helps people with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Compassion fatigue
- Relationship issues
- Grief
- Eating disorders
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Coping with life changes
- Coaching
- ADHD
- Body image
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Communication problems
- Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
- Domestic violence
- Eating and food-related issues
- First responder issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Life purpose
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Self-love
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Women's issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Marissa lists
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Narrative Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
How therapy approaches work online
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and understanding the person's goals. The therapist follows the person's lead, reflects what she hears, and helps people clarify what matters most to them. This approach is useful for parents who want empathetic support and space to sort through decisions.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts and behaviors link to feelings. Sessions include practical steps to test new ways of thinking and change routine actions that keep problems going. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep or eating difficulties, and parenting stress.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches skills for managing intense emotions and improving communication. It includes short tools for grounding, breathing, and handling strong reactions, which can help during conflicts or high-stress days.
Choosing the right approach is a joint process. The therapist will collaborate with each person to try methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress is made. That way therapy stays relevant and practical.
Online formats offer flexibility to fit therapy into busy lives. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation for skill demonstration and role play. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier on the go. Live chat or text-based messaging work well for brief check-ins, quick coaching, and maintaining momentum between longer sessions.
Questions people ask about Marissa
What concerns does Marissa help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting challenges, grief, sleep and eating issues, anger, ADHD, and related concerns listed in her specialties.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her approach is warm and nonjudgmental, using a strengths-based lens and practical skill-building to address daily problems.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has seven years of professional experience as a clinician supporting people with a range of emotional and behavioral concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a licensed clinical social worker - LCSW - practicing from New York.
Which languages are offered and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
She meets with people via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
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