about
Dr. Marissa Robinson
Background
I hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology; Master's Degree in Psychology; and Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art, World Religion, and Psychology. I integrate modern psychology, East-West perspectives, and holistic health.
My approach is informed by Jungian and depth-oriented psychology, mindfulness, cognitive therapies, somatic/mind-body therapy, addiction recovery, and trauma healing. My background as an artist has served my practice as a psychologist. I specialize in creativity for personal transformation, expressive arts, creative blocks, art therapy, and active imagination techniques.
Professional Experience
Co-founder, In-Depth Wellness Center, Owner, Private Practice
Post-doctoral fellow at Kaiser Permanente, consortium with VA Medical Center, specialization in trauma, addiction, and resilience
Trauma Recovery, PTSD Treatment, Veteran's Affairs (VA) Medical Center
Mind-Body Holistic Wellness and Ayurvedic Consulting
Yoga Therapist
Art Therapy, Expressive Arts Approaches
Sexual health educator and sexual diversity advocate
Mindfulness Instructor
Training
My expertise in relationships and intimacy has emerged through more than 10 years of experience addressing concerns for individuals and couples on these topics. I am an advocate for sexual health and empowerment. I work with clients across the spectrum of sexual orientation, identity, and relationship styles. My training in relationships and couples therapy from the Gottman Institute and in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) contribute to my approach.
Professional experience with somatic therapies and the practice of yoga, meditation, and qi gong, has given rise to my specialization in mind-body psychology. I support ongoing awareness of the interaction between our emotional, physical, and mental states. I have training in Somatic Experiencing, an approach which supports the healing of trauma and the release of emotion stored in the body. I also provide training in mindfulness and embodiment practices to address anxiety, panic, stress, and restoring your mind-body connection.
As a psychologist, I seek to continually expand my knowledge and understanding. I emphasize creating an alliance with my clients to cultivate strengths, identify resources, and inspire growth. My practice is guided by insight, compassion, and the belief in our capacity for transformation.
Specialties
Relationships
Deepening the capacity to connect and develop enduring relationships; I can help with effective communication, conflict resolution, marital issues, both traditional and alternative relationship styles, and changing unhealthy relationship patterns.
Intimacy
My practice supports empowered intimacy and sexual health for women and men along the spectrum of sexual diversity. I help clients with various orientations to sex and relationships, including those within the LGBTQ community, kink, poly, and monogamous. I support clients in cultivating emotional intelligence, compassion, moving beyond shame, self-acceptance, and strengthening intimacy.
Recovery
I am a recovery and addiction specialist, trained in both medical and behavioral health facilities. I provide treatment for various types of addiction, including substance abuse, eating disorders, codependency and other compulsive behaviors.
Trauma
I have extensive experience with trauma recovery. I treat those with past or recent trauma related to: assault, tragic loss, military/combat and difficult life events. I am trained in Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and other cognitive and somatic approaches to healing trauma.
Connecting Mind and Body
I help clients manage physical or medical issues that impact mental heath. My expertise in yoga therapy and somatic therapies, if appropriate, can serve to support mind-body health. These approaches can also help with nervous system imbalance related to traumatic experience. I treat clients with concerns related to chronic pain, body image, tension, and panic symptoms and promote the release of emotional distress held in the body.
Cultivating your Creativity and Personal Potential
I help clients overcome blocks to creativity and productivity as well as developing personal potential. I work with creative professionals, those in career fields demanding innovation and creative thinking, and individuals who wish to further develop their creativity and productivity.
Existential and Spiritual Concerns
I work with clients who are grappling with existential, religious, and/or spiritual aspects of life. I support the process of cultivating meaning, personal transformation, and creating a life that is a reflection of your authentic self.
Additional Training and Focus
Mindfulness
I provide training in mindfulness practice, which involves refinement of attention to awaken and expand self-awareness. Using mindfulness psychologically is a powerful means to examine and dismantle limiting beliefs and patterns, increase ability to live in the moment, as well as cultivate the ability to experience all emotions non-judgmentally.
Anxiety and Stress Management
I treat various forms of anxiety and I am proficient in various somatic and cognitive behavioral techniques to stabilize anxiety and panic attacks as well as treating social anxiety, obsessive and/or compulsive behaviors (OCD), phobias, and excessive worry. I teach stress management, relaxation skills, mindfulness, self-care and techniques for mind-body awareness.
Career and Life Path Development
I work with professionals, organizations, and students. I assist clients in cultivating their and goals aspirations, developing their careers, making transitions, and removing obstacles to growth and fulfillment.