Licensed Professional Counselor, VA-0701012293

She/her/hers

Marissa Momchilov is a Licensed Professional Counselor who joined us in November of 2023. Marissa completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Radford University. She has gained experience working with adults and adolescents with mental health and substance use related disorders in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Marissa enjoys working with families, and has said "family therapy is my calling" on occasion. She enjoys the collaboration and investment in changing dynamics while facilitate understanding.

Marissa believes having the insight and self-awareness to know when you need that extra support and assistance is one of your greatest strengths. She utilizes a person centered and strengths-based approach pulling from different techniques such as CBT, DBT, and ACT to assist adults and adolescents who struggle with depression and anxiety symptoms, relationship challenges, self-esteem related issues and more.

She specializes in working with adults and adolescents with various issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and relationship conflict. Her goal in therapy is to help empower clients to set boundaries and become more confident in being assertive. Marissa is passionate about helping clients manage and express emotions and improve their interpersonal relationships.

A typical first session with Marissa would begin with her getting to know her client. She would focus on discussing what led them to seek therapy, what specific stressors they are currently facing, and what their goals for therapy are. Marissa believes therapy is different for everyone, so her approach is tailored to each individual’s needs. Her sessions are generally more conversational, and she strives to provide a collaborative, warm, and compassionate environment in an effort to foster healing and growth.

In the sessions that follow the initial meeting, Marissa is dedicated to nurturing a secure and accepting environment where her clients can discover greater harmony and a deeper sense of connection within themselves. As her clients strive toward embodying the best versions of themselves, Marissa remains a steadfast support.

She regularly reviews the progress they've made towards the objectives set during their first session, offering insightful feedback and gentle redirection when necessary. Marissa is keenly aware of the anxiety that often accompanies the search for a suitable therapist and recognizes the bravery it takes to pursue personal growth through therapy.

With each session, she aspires not just to witness but to actively contribute to her clients' journeys toward healing. Marissa considers it a privilege to accompany and assist individuals as they navigate the complexities of their lives, offering her guidance and celebrating each step they take towards wellbeing.