Marissa"Mari" Ayala
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #162478
Supervised by Shirla de Magalhães, LMFT # 82947
Hello, and thank you for taking a moment to learn more about me. My name is Marissa Ayala, though most people call me Mari. As a therapist, I strive to create a warm, compassionate, and collaborative space where clients feel seen, supported and understood.
I am naturally observant and reflective, while also offering gentle challenges when needed to support growth and meaningful change. I believe therapy is most effective when it is built upon a trusting relationship and a shared commitment to the therapeutic process.
Whether you are seeking therapy for yourself or a loved one, I am glad our paths have crossed. Life's challenges can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain about where to begin. My role is to help you navigate those experiences with curiosity, compassion, and care.
My approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, and integrative. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), depth-oriented approaches, somatic work, and holistic practices such as play-based, expressive arts, and eco-psychology interventions. Together, we will explore your unique experiences, strengths, and challenges in ways that honor your individual story and identity.
Areas of Focus
Beginning therapy is a courageous step. You do not have to navigate life's challenges alone. Therapy is a collaborative, relational, and transformative process, and I would be honored to accompany you on your journey of healing, growth, and self-discovery. Supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves, their relationships, and the world around them in ways that feel authentic, empowering, and aligned with their values is a privilege I hold with deep respect and gratitude.
Availability
In-Person Sessions
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #162478
Supervised by Shirla de Magalhães, LMFT # 82947
Hello, and thank you for taking a moment to learn more about me. My name is Marissa Ayala, though most people call me Mari. As a therapist, I strive to create a warm, compassionate, and collaborative space where clients feel seen, supported and understood.
I am naturally observant and reflective, while also offering gentle challenges when needed to support growth and meaningful change. I believe therapy is most effective when it is built upon a trusting relationship and a shared commitment to the therapeutic process.
Whether you are seeking therapy for yourself or a loved one, I am glad our paths have crossed. Life's challenges can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain about where to begin. My role is to help you navigate those experiences with curiosity, compassion, and care.
My approach is client-centered, trauma-informed, and integrative. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), depth-oriented approaches, somatic work, and holistic practices such as play-based, expressive arts, and eco-psychology interventions. Together, we will explore your unique experiences, strengths, and challenges in ways that honor your individual story and identity.
Areas of Focus
- Life Transitions
- Relationship Patterns
- Tweens, Teens, & Young Adults
- Couples Therapy & Relationship Growth
- Creativity, Personal Growth, & Spiritual Exploration
- Anxiety, Depression, & Emotional Regulation
- Trauma & Early Attachment Wounds
- Neurodivergent Identities (Autism, ADHD, AuDHD, and related experiences)
- LGBTQIA+ Identities
- Bicultural and Multicultural Identities
- Bridging Generational Experiences and Family Dynamics
- Self-Esteem, Self-Worth, & Healthy Boundaries
- Guilt, Shame, & Self-Compassion
- Grief, Loss, Abandonment, & Life Changes
- Inner Child & Shadow Work
Beginning therapy is a courageous step. You do not have to navigate life's challenges alone. Therapy is a collaborative, relational, and transformative process, and I would be honored to accompany you on your journey of healing, growth, and self-discovery. Supporting clients in reconnecting with themselves, their relationships, and the world around them in ways that feel authentic, empowering, and aligned with their values is a privilege I hold with deep respect and gratitude.
Availability
In-Person Sessions
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Every other Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Limited weekday and every-other-Saturday availability
