Therapy for anxiety, trauma & relationship challenges
Psychotherapy in
San Francisco
Liberation rooted, trauma informed, decolonizing, culturally centered
Who I work with
Life transitions: immigration, separation, infertility, prenatal and postpartum mental health
Work stress: career achievement and interpersonal concerns in the workplace
Trauma: Healing from attachment and relational trauma (CPTSD)
Psychedelic Integration: supporting individuals who are using psychedelic medicine for healing and growth
Couples and families struggling with recurring conflicts and arguments
Supporting loved ones: care for family members with acute mental health diagnoses such as psychosis and mood disorders
Anxious and avoidant attachment styles
In my work I focus on supporting individuals who have experienced trauma as well as experiences of stress, anxiety, grief and loss. You may feel intense and overwhelming emotions. Maybe you feeling disconnected from your body, or overwhelmed with panic. We work to re-wire beliefs about ourselves and the world. I use focusing techniques such as mindfulness, and Brainspotting. It’s okay if you are not comfortable in your body! We will go at your pace and can start with talk based approaches.
You may be navigating recurring conflicts, working to rebuilding trust, or desiring a deeper connection. I will partner with you in your unique goals for your relationship.
In my work with couples I use various modalities including Emotionally focused Therapy. Together we can look at ingrained patterns and I will invite both of you to try new ways of relating to each other. This is especially powerful because we can practice these new ways of interacting in our sessions together rather than simply talking about the challenge.
We are all a part of interconnected systems. Sometimes an imbalance or disturbance becomes apparent. In family therapy we have the opportunity to look at the system as a whole and bring attention to ingrained patterns that are no longer serving you.
Family therapy may be a good fit if your goal is to support your child with struggles related to school, anxiety, body image, big emotions and more. I also work with blended families who face unique challenges with integrating relationships.
My Approach
Marissa Arora MS
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #146604
I am deeply grateful for the privilege to hold space for individuals through some of the most vulnerable moments of life. My approach integrates the wisdom of the body and the healing power of our mind. My work draws from psychodynamic, somatic practices, and person centered therapy to help you heal, bring alignment, and reconnect with your true self.
I am honored to hold space for individuals with different backgrounds and identities. My goal is to bring attention and respect to these varying parts of ourselves. My desire is to attune to the complexities of identity to bring harmony to different parts of ourselves, each of which hold importance.
I believe we all have an inherent drive toward growth and healing. I see my role as partnering with you as a witness to your journey. Life is complex and we are constantly noticing places to bring into balance. My work includes mindfulness practices of non-attachment and compassion.
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Vancouver 2025
Digging Roots, Developmental Trauma Training, California 2025
Eating Disorder Assessment Training, California 2025
Asian American International Motherhood 2024
Psychedelic Integration Summit 2024
Brainspotting Phase 1, California 2024
Emotionally Focused Family Therapy Reflecting Group, UCSF 2021
Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology, SFSU 2021