Carissa Visser, MA, Professional Counselor Associate

Spring 2025 - Waitlist for new clients

Philosophy & Approach

I believe that the capacity to heal, grow, change, navigate challenges, and thrive is inherent in each of us. I partner with individuals to help bring forward and foster that capacity, with the ultimate aim of living a more joyful and fulfilled life. I look at mental health symptomology from the perspective of - what life experiences caused this, rather than - what’s wrong with you? I believe that at our core, we are each fundamentally good.

I have been trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy from the IFS Institute (see first link below), and IFS therapy is my primary way of working with clients. IFS is an evidence-based, non-pathologizing model of psychotherapy. This model facilitates inner work with the parts of you that drive or hold the feelings, thoughts and behaviors that you’d like to see shift. In addition to addressing mental health challenges, IFS therapy can also be used to address physical conditions such as chronic pain, headaches and digestive issues (acid reflux, IBS). IFS therapy creates change by cultivating self-knowing, self-compassion, and self-healing. If you’d like to learn about IFS therapy, the IFS Institute has a brief intro video on their Home page (see second link below), and a more extensive video on their About Us page (see third link below). The institute also has an article on IFS and chronic pain which you can find on their Resources page (see fourth link below). 

My top priority is providing a safe, non-judgmental, compassionate space where all parts of you and all experiences are welcome. I would be honored to walk with you on your path, and to support you in your journey, wherever it takes you.