Marisa Floro

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Dr. Marisa Floro is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, trained Gestalt Therapist, 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. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Sexology from the Modern Sex Therapy Institutes.

Outside of her practice of therapy, Marisa is a clinical supervisor, group practice owner, professional training developer, and professor.

Marisa began her career in the helping profession in 2015 at the Allegheny County Jail, where she provided psychoeducational groups on cognitive change to adult men and women. Within the criminal justice system, she developed and delivered training on culturally humble approaches to offering services in the field of forensics. In 2017, she specialized in trauma therapy while working at Pittsburgh Action Against Rape.

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. She is a faculty member at the Gestalt Institute of Pittsburgh and serves as adjunct faculty in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Pittsburgh and at La Roche University.

In her psychotherapy practice, Marisa integrates Gestalt theory, trauma-focused techniques, and intimacy-focused approaches to support her clients in developing self-awareness and empowered choice. She believes that therapy provides a unique therapeutic alliance and space to address 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, connecting relationships, and hiking. She has a keen interest in learning gardening techniques and cherishes her three adopted cats. She is also on a dedicated search for the best donut in Pittsburgh.