Marissa Deeley

Hi, I’m Marissa, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with Clear Mind Counseling San Diego. I support adults and couples seeking greater fulfillment, connection, and lasting positive change.

It takes courage to start therapy, and it is important to acknowledge the strength that is in you for being here today. I value the opportunity to support clients in creating meaningful change and growth during difficult times. I have extensive experience working with adults and couples navigating major life transitions, depression, anxiety, self-esteem difficulties, attachment injuries, betrayal, and infidelity. I support clients in gaining greater awareness and developing the skills to establish more connection, safety, and healing within themselves and with others.

My clinical focus draws from evidence-based practices including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, and mindfulness practices, providing clients with effective tools and comprehensive support. I help clients better understand their emotions and needs so they can gain clarity, feel more confident in themselves, and build more satisfying and meaningful relationships.

I have a deep passion for working with couples, as I firmly believe the quality of our relationships is a great determinant of the quality of our lives. Long-standing conflict, disconnection, and betrayal can be incredibly painful, and I have seen firsthand that it is possible to heal and find relief with support. Through my education, training, and specialized experience with couples, I have had the privilege of guiding partners out of these painful places and back toward connection, safety, and fulfillment within their relationship. In couples sessions, I help partners move beyond cycles of conflict and disconnection and have more honest, vulnerable conversations where each person feels understood and valued. Together, we work toward rebuilding trust, strengthening connection, and helping couples feel like they are on the same team again, with greater confidence in their ability to navigate both current and future challenges.

Clients often describe me as warm, thoughtful, and steady, with a strong focus on real human connection. In sessions, I integrate emotional processing, education, guided skill use, and relatable humor to create a space for meaningful change. I prioritize showing up with authenticity, transparency, and an understanding of each client’s unique experience.

CLINICAL FOCUS

MY APPROACH

MY PHILOSOPHY ON THE THERAPEUTIC EXPERIENCE AND CHANGE

I believe there is great power in the relational context of therapy—whether it is within the relationship between therapist and client or in the important relationships in your life. Relationships have a powerful influence on how we see ourselves and move through the world. Past relationships can contribute to patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that leave us feeling stuck, disconnected, or dissatisfied.

Therapy offers an opportunity to better understand these patterns and begin to change what is no longer serving you. Through empathy, validation, genuine curiosity, and supportive challenge, we can work together to develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and others and create meaningful, lasting change.

We will collaborate on specific goals and manageable steps to meet them, leaving you feeling hopeful, focused, and empowered to create lasting change. My mission is to meet you exactly where you are while supporting and guiding you toward where you want to be—with yourself, with others, and in your life moving forward.

Ensuring a good fit between therapist and client is crucial for successful therapy. We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if we're a good match. Taking this FIRST step to seek support is important, and we are honored to guide you on your path towards healing and personal growth.