Nerissa is a compassionate Pre-Licensed Clinician who is dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward personal growth. She earned her Master’s degree in Behavioral Analysis from the University of Cincinnati and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Sacred Heart University. Nerissa brings a diverse background in working with children, teens, young adults, and families, including experience in early childhood settings and as a Director of an autism resource center supporting individuals on the autism spectrum.

Nerissa creates a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel seen, heard, and understood. Her approach is collaborative and person-centered, focusing on building a strong therapeutic relationship while empowering clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with confidence and curiosity.

Nerissa works with teens and adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, self-esteem challenges, life transitions, and identity exploration. She has a particular passion for supporting individuals who are neurodivergent or experiencing developmental differences, helping them better understand themselves while building skills to navigate daily life with greater ease and confidence. She also supports college students and young adults facing stress, relationship challenges, and transitions into new stages of life.

In her clinical work, Nerissa integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), person-centered techniques, and strengths-based approaches. She also incorporates mindfulness, grounding strategies, and expressive tools such as art and journaling to support emotional awareness and skill development. Her sessions are tailored to each client’s unique needs, blending structure with flexibility to foster meaningful and sustainable growth.

Nerissa is passionate about helping clients build insight, develop effective coping strategies, and feel more empowered in their daily lives. She believes that with the right support, individuals can better understand their experiences and move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

Outside of the therapy room, Nerissa enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and going for walks. She also loves going to the beach, gardening, listening to music, and exploring new coffee shops.