Marissa Katz Bellani , LMHC

Marissa Katz Bellani is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Hawaii who blends creative arts with traditional therapeutic techniques to support emotional healing and personal growth. She holds training in music therapy and expressive arts therapies from Lesley University, and she weaves that background into an interactive, warm approach that makes space for both creativity and practical skill-building. Marissa centers the person's experience, meeting clients where they are and collaborating on steps toward greater balance, calm, and self-actualization.

Her work emphasizes a nonjudgmental, compassionate stance that honors each individual as the expert of their own life while offering evidence-informed methods when helpful. She offers music-based exploration alongside person-centered counseling and other established therapeutic tools to address anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, grief, trauma, addiction, and a wide range of life changes. As an LMHC - a Licensed Mental Health Counselor - she brings professional training aimed at helping people build coping skills, improve communication, and navigate difficult transitions. Marissa frames therapy as a partnership, supporting clients through challenging experiences with steady empathy so healthy change can unfold.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Marissa Katz Bellani

Marissa integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into her online practice. ACT focuses on helping people notice and accept difficult thoughts and feelings while clarifying personal values and taking committed action - it can be useful for stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathic listening and unconditional positive regard, creating a supportive space for self-exploration and growth that can help with relationship concerns, grief, and self-esteem. CBT targets unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns by teaching practical skills to change reactions and build healthier habits, which can be effective for anxiety, depression, and addiction-related challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Marissa works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts techniques over time so the work stays relevant and meaningful.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, over the phone, via live chat, or through text-based messaging - allowing therapy to fit into busy schedules, reach clients across distances, and provide ongoing support between appointments. Licensed professionals can use these formats to maintain continuity of care and tailor the pace and style of sessions to what works best for each individual.