Marissa Gaven

My communication style

I’m authentic, transparent, and to the point. You won’t have to decode what I’m thinking or try to guess where we’re going in sessions. The tone I set is compassionate and real—no sugarcoating, no jargon, just genuine human conversation.

My journey to mental healthcare

I was drawn to this field through my own experiences with trauma and loss—learning firsthand what helped and what didn’t developed my approach. I started this career out of spite (turns out that’s a pretty solid motivator), and I never looked back. That lived perspective informs how I show up: practical, grounded, and unwilling to waste your time.

My goals for you

We’ll work together to establish your treatment goals; throughout your journey, your progress will be measured by how you feel and your own lived experiences. I don’t assign homework or push self-help materials; that’s definitely not my style. I’d rather do the work with you in session, where it actually counts. All you have to do is show up!

Our first session

Our first session is about getting to know each other. I’ll ask questions, you can share what feels comfortable, and we’ll begin identifying your needs while seeing if we’re a good fit. You don’t need to have everything figured out—just show up as you are. I genuinely look forward to meeting you and hearing your story.

I identify as...

• Cis, Female
• Caucasian or White