Marisa Floro

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Marisa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Sex Therapist. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy from Washington & Jefferson College in 2014. With a focus on gender studies and mental health, she earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh in 2016. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Sexology from the Modern Sex Therapy Institutes.

Marisa began her social work career in 2015 at the Allegheny County Jail, where she provided psychoeducational groups on change to adult men and women. Within the criminal justice system, she developed and delivered psychoeducational training on culturally humble approaches to offering services in the field of forensics. In 2017, she specialized in trauma therapy and sexual assault counseling.

In 2019, Marisa completed the Two Year Gestalt Training for Professionals at the Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh. Building upon her Gestalt and trauma-focused therapy framework, she pursued sex therapy training in the Fall of 2020 at The Buehler Institute's Comprehensive Sexology Program. After two years of clinical supervision, Marisa became a Certified Sex Therapist through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). Additionally, she completed the Advanced Training Certification Program in Gestalt Therapy, solidifying her expertise in this modality. Currently, she serves as a faculty intern at the Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh with the aspiration of becoming a full-time faculty member.

In her psychotherapy practice, Marisa integrates Gestalt theory, trauma-focused techniques, and somatic approaches to support her clients in developing self-awareness and achieving their goals. She believes that therapy provides a safe and open space for challenging unhelpful thought patterns and addressing unresolved issues that impact clients' present lives. Marisa recognizes the difficulties of facing pain, confusion, and uncertainty but believes that therapy can facilitate accountability, growth, and progress.

Marisa holds certifications in Cognitive Processing Therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR).

As an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, Marisa specializes in treating sexual problems and helping clients cultivate intimacy in their lives. She has extensive experience working with individuals involved in sex work and within the LGBTQIA+ community. Marisa maintains a sex-positive, kink-aware, and BDSM-friendly approach, encouraging open discussions regarding fetishism, sexuality, and dominant/submissive dynamics within relationships.

Outside of her therapeutic work, Marisa enjoys writing poetry, fostering personal relationships, and hiking. She has a keen interest in caring for her indoor plants and cherishes her three adopted cats.