Marissa Katz Bellani, LMHC

Marissa Katz Bellani is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationship struggles, and health-related challenges. She works in a warm, interactive way and aims to meet clients where they are. Marissa supports people through changes and difficult moments using plain talk and creative tools.

Marissa trained with a focus on music therapy and expressive arts while earning her MA, and she brings that background into sessions when it fits a person’s needs. She blends creative methods with person-centered listening and practical techniques from cognitive behavioral approaches. Sessions often involve identifying small, doable steps to reduce distress and improve day-to-day functioning.

People come to her for a range of concerns, including relationship and intimacy issues, family and caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, addiction-related problems, and identity concerns such as LGBT issues. She also supports those dealing with grief, bipolar disorder, trauma, and feelings of isolation.

In the room she aims to be nonjudgmental and accepting, helping clients notice patterns and try new ways of responding. She uses mindfulness, acceptance-based ideas, and clear exercises to practice between sessions. The focus is on what helps someone feel steadier and more in control of daily life.

Marissa is based in Hawaii and brings eight years of experience to her work. She offers collaborative care that respects each person’s pace and goals, and she will work with clients to find practical strategies that fit their lives.

How Marissa’s approaches translate to online work

Marissa blends acceptance-based and client-centered ideas with cognitive behavioral tools to address everyday struggles. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and committing to meaningful actions; it can help when people feel stuck or overwhelmed by worry or chronic illness. Client-Centered Therapy centers on listening and empathy so people feel understood and can explore their own answers; it supports processing grief, identity, and relationship concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviors and teaches practical skills to reduce anxiety and lift mood through doable exercises.

Finding the right approach is part of the process and happens together. Marissa will discuss goals and preferences and try methods that fit each person’s needs. She adapts creative options like music or expressive work when they seem useful, and pairs them with skills to practice between meetings.

Please confirm current online session options before booking, since formats were not fully specified in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - fewer commutes, easier scheduling, and a chance to check in during short breaks. Some clients prefer audio-only check-ins while others use video for exercises and interactive tools; discuss what works best when arranging sessions.