About Me
Marisa Whelan, LCSW (she/her)
NJ license #: 44SC06450000
NY license #: 098962
Hi! I am so happy you are here!
I am a strengths-based, trauma-informed psychotherapist who prioritizes meeting you where you are on your journey. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space for exploration and growth. I am here to support you every step of the way to lay the groundwork for positive change.
I am dedicated to creating a warm and empathetic environment for my clients, promoting a sense of security and openness, and as a licensed clinical social worker, I work with many different therapeutic modalities. Some skills I utilize in sessions are pulled from CBT, DBT, IFS, motivational interviewing, and more, however, therapeutic approaches are not universal! If specific approaches will work better for specific clients, then that is how therapy is tailored. There is no one-size-fits-all approach in therapy.
A bit about me as a social worker: I received a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Marist University and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from NYU Silver School of Social Work, I currently teach as an adjunct professor at Marist University in their MSW program! I am licensed in New York and New Jersey, and am a member of the National Association of Social Works (NASW) and the Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA).
Who I work with & my therapy sessions:
I work with clients of many age ranges, specifically from 12-years-old and on. If you are struggling with anxiety, OCD, addiction, grief, self-esteem, life transitions (& more!), we would likely work well together!
As a therapist, I create a safe space for my clients to show up as themselves, and make sure you feel comfortable talking about the hard stuff (and the not-so-hard stuff). I am direct and often challenge my clients in sessions, which helps with positive growth, as well as building a strong rapport in the therapeutic space. I make my therapy spaces very laid back, very comfortable, and fun! I like to joke with my clients and try not to be so serious throughout sessions. Starting therapy is a huge step and can be scary, but the entire therapeutic journey does not have to be!
Insurance
Similar to most private practices, I do not accept insurance. However, I can provide you with a monthly superbill to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement, if you have out-of-network benefits. I can run your insurance on Mentaya to assess if you have out-of-network benefits and what reimbursement would look like for you.
Scheduling
I offer weekly or biweekly virtual sessions. You will be responsible for the session cost if you do not cancel your session at least 48 hours in advance of session.
Supervision and Education
If you hold a limited permit in New York State and are looking for supervision, I offer weekly supervision sessions.