Available Seminars. The Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh. Join us for another opportunity to discuss this vital topic with a more in-depth look at the applications of Gestalt Therapy to sex as a top With a focus on gender studies and mental health, she earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh in Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.
Outside of her practice of therapy, Marisa is a clinical supervisor, guest lecturer, and an adjunct faculty member with the Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh in the graduate School of Social Work. Marisa began her career in the helping profession in at the Allegheny County Jail, where she provided psychoeducational groups on cognitive change to adult men and women. Within the criminal justice system, she developed and delivered training on culturally humble approaches to offering services in the field of forensics.
In , she specialized in trauma therapy and sexual assault counseling while working at Pittsburgh Action Against Rape.
Building upon her Gestalt and trauma-focused therapy framework, she pursued sex therapy training in the Fall of at The Buehler Institute's Comprehensive Sexology Program. Additionally, she completed the Advanced Training Certification Program in Gestalt Therapy , solidifying her expertise in this modality. Currently, she serves as an adjunct faculty member at the Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh with the aspiration of becoming a full-time faculty member. In her psychotherapy practice, Marisa integrates Gestalt theory, trauma-focused techniques, and intimacy-focused approaches to support her clients in developing self-awareness and empowered choice.
She believes that therapy provides a unique therapeutic alliance and space to address unresolved issues that impact clients' present lives. Marisa recognizes the difficulties of facing pain, confusion, and uncertainty but believes that therapy can facilitate accountability, growth, and progress. Outside of her therapeutic work, Marisa enjoys writing poetry, fostering personal relationships, and hiking.
