Marisa Pappas, LCSW

Hi, I’m Marisa!

I am dedicated to helping you forge a path forward through connection and healing. From my personal and professional experience, I acknowledge the challenge in taking this step and will foster a space of safety, alliance, and genuine care. I was born and raised in California, currently reside in San Diego, and can never find myself too far from the ocean. I have always had a keen interest in human behavior and how the brain has evolved for survival and self-preservation. I was drawn to health and human services as I knew it would be combined with challenge and purpose. With an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree in behavioral science and a master’s degree in clinical social work, I take an integrative and holistic approach to care. 

I entered the world of therapy through a combination of my academic interests, my own personal adversities, and the passion to help others. Through my graduate practicum and work towards licensure, I have worked in settings of residential care, inpatient facilities, outpatient clinics and private practice. By focusing on trauma in various contexts, I have gained diverse, meaningful experiences that have impacted my therapeutic approach, which is one of collaboration, compassion, and curiosity. Therapy thrives with trust and connection, and I will be a human on the other side, offering you guidance, encouragement, and empathy. 

Redefining ME was created for the adult who has confronted challenging circumstances and feels defined by their past and patterns. It is for the individual who has the willingness for transformative work and is looking to feel heard and acknowledged. This is an opportunity for meaningful reflection, courageous change, and reconnection to your inner self, before you thought you were “wrong”. 

I attend to my wellbeing and values by moving my body with yoga and bouldering, reading too many books at a time, connecting to nature, finding new music, daydreaming and engaging with my favorite humans and dog.