About Marisa
Marisa Riis is a licensed clinical social worker with 24 years of experience. She focuses on helping people who feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression, and major life changes. She listens first and helps people name what matters most to them.
Marisa believes clients are the experts on their own lives and that they already carry strengths to build on. Sessions aim to turn small steps into steady progress toward clearer goals and more satisfying days.
How Marisa works
Her style blends practical problem-solving with steady emotional support. She helps clients develop coping tools for intense emotions and routines that reduce daily stress. When grief or depression makes things feel heavier, she works to restore motivation and practical steps forward.
Marisa draws on two decades of clinical experience to match methods to each person. She supports people who want to regain confidence after setbacks or who need help adjusting to big life changes. Conversations are straightforward and focused on what will help now.
People who start therapy can expect a collaborative plan that targets their immediate concerns and longer-term goals. Marisa offers guidance and encouragement while clients practice new skills between sessions. The goal is clearer perspective, calmer days, and stronger self-trust.
What Marisa works with
The areas below are the ones Marisa selected when setting up a profile. The first few are listed as the main focus; the rest are also named.
Also listed
Training and background
| Register | LCSW |
|---|---|
| Years in practice | 24 |
| Languages | English |
| Session format | Online: video, phone, live chat or messaging |
| Country | Illinois |
Memberships and registers are shown as supplied; they are not licences, and this directory does not verify them.
Online support options
Practical therapeutic approaches for online care
Evidence-based therapeutic techniques focus on clear actions and manageable steps. Cognitive techniques help people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with more balanced thinking to reduce anxiety and low mood. Behavioral strategies focus on small changes in daily routines and activities to rebuild motivation and improve energy levels.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk through goals, preferences, and what has worked before, then choose methods that fit each person's needs. This is a collaborative process where adjustments are made as progress is observed.
Online sessions use video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to offer flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversations when that feels helpful. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging provide an option for people who prefer writing between sessions or need quick support during the week. These formats make therapy easier to fit around work, family, and busy schedules while keeping care focused on practical goals and skills.
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Common questions
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A practical next step
Write down two things you would want to be different in six months. That is the most useful thing to bring to a first session, whoever it is with. If you would rather start now than keep reading, online sessions are the quickest route.
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