Marissa Katz Bellani, LMHC

Marissa Katz Bellani is an MA, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Hawaii with eight years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, depression, addiction concerns, LGBT issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy challenges, self-esteem struggles, bipolar disorder, and major life changes.

Marissa uses clear, practical methods in sessions. She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, client-centered work, existential ideas, and elements of the Gottman Method. Sessions are conversational and focused on what feels useful to the client in daily life.

Her background includes studies in music therapy and expressive arts, which inform a flexible approach to how people express feelings. That means some people who like creative outlets may be invited to try music-based or expressive techniques alongside talk therapy.

She emphasizes working together to identify manageable next steps. Typical work might include noticing patterns that cause distress, trying small behavioral experiments, and practicing acceptance and mindfulness skills to reduce reactivity.

Marissa often helps people untangle family-of-origin issues, caregiver stress, communication problems, and intimacy or trust concerns. She also supports people coping with chronic illness, end-of-life related grief, and feelings of isolation.

Sessions are offered in English and Marissa accepts international clients. Before booking, confirm current session formats so you know which online options are available in your area.

How her approaches translate to online work