Marisa Gonzalez is a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, supervised by Cynthia Powell, LPC-S. She works with adolescents, adults, and families who want to better understand what is happening beneath the surface, change patterns that are no longer serving them, and develop healthier ways of coping and connecting.
Before transitioning into full-time private practice, Marisa spent 17 years working with adolescents and families in public and private schools as a teacher, college counselor, and wellness counselor. This experience gives her a deep understanding of adolescent development and the emotional, relational, and academic pressures young people face. She especially values helping adolescents feel understood while supporting parents in responding with greater confidence and connection.
Marisa’s approach is person-centered and trauma-informed. She creates a warm, collaborative environment where clients can explore difficult experiences with curiosity and without judgment. She is trained in EMDR, which can help clients process distressing experiences and shift negative beliefs that may be keeping them stuck.
Marisa is also trained in SPACE, or Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions, an evidence-based treatment that works directly with parents of children experiencing anxiety. Through SPACE, parents learn to gradually reduce accommodations that may unintentionally reinforce avoidance while using supportive statements that communicate acceptance of their child’s feelings and confidence in their ability to cope.
Through parent coaching, Marisa helps parents become more confident and intentional in how they respond to their children. This may include strengthening communication and connection, understanding the developing brain, setting effective boundaries, reducing family conflict, and supporting greater resilience and independence.
Marisa graduated cum laude from Rice University with bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Sport Management. She earned her Master of Science in Professional School Counseling from Angelo State University, where she also completed the LPC Bridge program in Mental Health and Wellness Counseling.
As a Spanish-speaking counselor, Marisa is committed to providing culturally responsive care that honors each client’s identity, family, and lived experience.
Therapy is a great tool on the journey of self-discovery, empowering you to embrace your true and authentic self. By focusing on your unique strengths as an individual, we will build the confidence and resilience needed to venture beyond your comfort zone.
