Meet marissa skipper, lcsw

You’re enough, just as you are.

It’s time to understand what makes you feel triggered and start responding rather than reacting.

You’re in the right place.

I’m here to help you feel better.

You remember a time when you didn’t feel like you were letting yourself - and others - down… but those days feel like a distant memory. Don’t you wish you had the tools to change that?

I’m Marissa, and I help adults just like you: ones that have the motivation to make the changes they need to live a life that is aligned with their values, but just need the support to get there.

I help my clients find self-acceptance, confidence and empowerment by equipping them with the tools they need to better understand themselves. My solutions for anxiety are aren’t one-size-fits-all: you will feel like your values and desires are being taken into consideration here. I know that your circumstances are unique, so every aspect of our work together will be approached with you and your goals in mind. Every client I work with is an individual, and you will feel understood.

My style

I believe that therapy works best as a team effort.

First, we’ll take a dive into your story, and the current circumstances that are bringing you to therapy. We’ll identify the thoughts and behaviors that are causing you to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. With my specialized training and your insight, we’ll spend our sessions working on what matters to you, and developing skills that will make a difference. You can be sure our time will be spent doing what will be most effective for you. Through our work together you’ll understand yourself better, and feel equipped to handle whatever stress life brings your way. 

My specialized training in anxiety and trauma means I have the expertise you need and deserve when seeking help to feel better. But at the end of the day, you want to know you’re working with someone who “gets” what it means to be struggling with overwhelming or anxious thoughts, right?

As a working professional, wife and mom of 3, I know that some days it takes all you have just to get out of bed and do what you have to do. It doesn’t feel good to live just putting one foot in front of the other, being irritable and angry with the people most important to you. I’ve lived with intrusive worries that have kept me from being the person I want to be. With the help of my own therapist, I have learned to manage my anxiety triggers. Don’t get me wrong, there are still days when I want to avoid my thoughts and responsibilities! So I understand that although you love your life, it can still be overwhelming and difficult. When we work together, you won’t just get a trained therapist. You’ll get someone who truly understands what you’re going through, and has successfully learned how to navigate it. I believe you can, too.

I am dedicated to helping people believe in themselves.

Because of my passion for helping others to grow, I spend my time with you not only in session, but I give time to our work together outside the session as well. It is common for me to be reading, listening to podcasts or reflecting upon topics that have come up in our sessions, so I can find new ways to support you in creating lasting change.

Outside of work, you can find me road or trail running, in the gym, cooking, or traveling to a local park for a hike and a picnic with my family.

My guiding principles

Challenge

We need to be willing to step out of our comfort zone to experience growth.

Trust

I have your best interest in mind. I will work to earn, and keep, your trust.

Collaboration

We work as a team, we go at your pace. Your input is important to me.

Unconditional Support

I will work as your biggest fan, coach, and guide. I’m always for you.

Specialties

anxiety/ocd | ADHD | parenting | college life

Training & Education

Degrees

  • Master of Social Work, Southeastern University

  • Bachelor of Social Work, University of Central Florida

Licensure

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Florida (SW8112) and North Carolina (C016792)

Certifications

  • Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) - in progress

  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II: Complex Trauma (CCTP-II)