Marissa Katz Bellani, LMHC

Marissa Katz Bellani is a licensed mental health counselor who helps people manage stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, grief, depression, addiction concerns, and other life changes. She offers a warm, interactive style and works with clients to build steadier everyday habits and clearer thinking. Marissa practices in Hawaii and communicates in English. She trained with a focus on music therapy and expressive arts during graduate school, and she brings that background into sessions when it fits a client's needs. Her stated credential is MA LMHC, and she has eight years of experience in the field. Marissa emphasizes a person-centered stance, meeting clients where they are rather than pushing a single method. In session she blends talking therapies with practical tools. That can include acceptance and commitment ideas, cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness, or relationship-focused work from the Gottman approach. She aims to help people notice unhelpful thought patterns and form new daily habits that support calmer reactions and clearer priorities. Marissa describes her role as a supportive, nonjudgmental guide. She encourages clients to use their own strengths and creativity while trying new ways of coping. Sessions can include creative elements like music when it feels useful for processing feelings or building routine. Her practice notes that therapy is a gradual process and that she will collaborate with each person to shape goals and pace. Prospective clients should confirm current session options before booking and can expect straightforward conversation about next steps.

How her approaches fit into online therapy

Marissa draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and feelings without fighting them, then choosing actions that match personal values; it can help with anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy prioritizes a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship where the client leads the conversation and the therapist reflects and supports exploration. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and offers concrete strategies to change patterns that cause distress. Finding the right approach is part of the therapy process. Marissa will collaborate with each person to figure out which methods suit their needs, goals, and preferences. She adjusts what she uses over time based on what helps a client feel steadier and more able to manage daily life. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into everyday schedules and maintain continuity during life changes. It can reduce travel time, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and let people join from wherever they are located at the time. Confirm the therapist's current session options before booking so you know how appointments will be scheduled and delivered.