Meet Marissa Tunis | Licensed Psychologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marissa Tunis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marissa, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is knowing and trusting myself. While that may sound trite, it was quite a journey.

I entered graduate school in my early twenties and struggled with imposter syndrome for years – as a young woman who didn’t know what she didn’t know, I took on personas to look and act like a competent therapist – but inside, I questioned myself daily. I remember telling myself that when I turned 30, I would be old enough to no longer feel like an imposter therapist. For whatever reason, I felt as if 30 was a mystical age when I would be endowed with confidence and wisdom, and could fearlessly take on the world. No doubt, turning 30 was great (I’m 44 now btw), but 30 was just the beginning.

A couple years into my third decade, postpartum depression leveled me. I could no longer be a therapist. I was the client. But through that emotional turmoil, I was incredibly fortunate to have received life-changing treatments from highly skilled therapists; treatments that I now provide to my clients. I processed trauma with EMDR. Unburden my wounded parts with IFS. And used Neurofeedback to regulate my nervous system.

Getting back to work as a therapist, any confidence that I had once built up was gone. I used affirmations daily to change my self-talk to change how I felt about myself. I must have said “Every day I am more and more confident” like a hundred times a day for months, meditated daily and was determined to be at ease with myself and others. Later on, I discovered psychedelic-assisted therapy, which ushered in an open-mindedness and self-comfort that could only be described as magic.

I was lucky enough to be hired to work with a comedy community in New York City for three years as their in-house therapist. It revived me. I felt as if I made a difference and truly felt a sense of competency without needing a persona. I arrived as myself and was appreciated. After moving to LA and starting my private practice, I was finally prepared to show up for myself and my clients with presence, patience and courage.

Now, as the owner of a thriving practice, I feel blessed every day to know that people trust me to help them heal their wounds and change their lives. I know myself and trust myself, and that makes all the difference.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a California and New York- licensed clinical psychologist who provides therapy to individual, couples, and families

I believe in unconditional positive regard and connect with warmth, non-judgment and authenticity. I will not think differently of my clients no matter what they say or do. I think humor is incredibly important to healing and cherish the moments when we can laugh at the ridiculousness of being human. I show up as myself, while also holding necessary boundaries; this is your time, not mine.

A particular interest is working with clients who have worked with other therapists prior but have not yet reached symptom resolution. With a multi-modal and integrative approach, I draw on many treatment modalities (i.e. EMDR, IFS, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Interventions) and lifestyle changes (i.e. diet, exercise, sleep) to help people get the lives they want.

With an office located in Westwood, Los Angeles, I see clients on weekdays and evenings – both in office and online.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The top of the California Incline – stop for a moment and take a breath.

Drive down PCH to Malibu with the windows down and music playing.

Reggae Fest at the Hollywood Bowl; it’s a vibe.

Teddy’s Tacos – Venice Beach, just really delicious; has my vote for the best tacos in LA.

IPIC theater for a luxurious movie watching experience

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Jen Kleiner (Los Angeles) IFS practitioner at Intuitive Artists
Seth Kopald (PA) – IFS practitioner
Kristin Long, LCAT (NYC) – EMDR therapist
Angela Smith (Los Angeles) – Neurofeedback practitioner

Website: https://Www.drmarissatunis.com

Instagram: @dr.marissatunis

Image Credits
Rory Cook – main picture
Tiffany Jenkins – other headshots
Taylor Woods (picture of woman in eye mask)
Marissa Tunis – all others