- Straightforward support
- Values-based work
- Culturally mindful
About Marisela
Marisela Cuellar-VanHouten is a licensed master social worker in Michigan who focuses on helping people navigate trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, and issues tied to self-esteem and confidence. She brings ten years of individual therapy experience and aims to meet people where they are. Marisela describes herself as an LGBTQ+ ally and listens with sensitivity to cultural background and identity.
She prefers a practical, person-centered style. Conversations are tailored to each person’s needs and goals. She works alongside people to build skills, clarify values, and take small steps toward change.
Her work often blends practical skill-building with reflection. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Mindfulness-based ideas and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy support noticing difficult feelings without getting stuck in them.
When stress or caregiver strain is part of the problem, she focuses on realistic coping strategies and pacing to reduce overwhelm. For people dealing with chronic illness, bipolar mood challenges, or sleep disruption, sessions aim to make day-to-day life more manageable.
Marisela also helps with parenting concerns, career stress, intimacy-related issues, and compassion fatigue. She collaborates with each person to shape a plan that fits their situation and goals. To begin, she encourages completing a short questionnaire so scheduling can reflect individual needs.
She prefers a practical, person-centered style. Conversations are tailored to each person’s needs and goals. She works alongside people to build skills, clarify values, and take small steps toward change.
Her work often blends practical skill-building with reflection. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Mindfulness-based ideas and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy support noticing difficult feelings without getting stuck in them.
When stress or caregiver strain is part of the problem, she focuses on realistic coping strategies and pacing to reduce overwhelm. For people dealing with chronic illness, bipolar mood challenges, or sleep disruption, sessions aim to make day-to-day life more manageable.
Marisela also helps with parenting concerns, career stress, intimacy-related issues, and compassion fatigue. She collaborates with each person to shape a plan that fits their situation and goals. To begin, she encourages completing a short questionnaire so scheduling can reflect individual needs.
How therapeutic approaches shape online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take small, meaningful steps toward those values while learning to notice difficult thoughts without getting stuck. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing practical behavior changes to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. Mindfulness-based ideas teach simple attention practices that can ease reactivity and improve sleep or emotional regulation.Finding the right approach is often part of the process. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their goals, preferences, and day-to-day needs. That shared decision-making can include trying different tools and checking in about what helps.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so please confirm current online session options before booking. Many people find online work helpful because it can fit into a busy schedule, make it easier to keep regular appointments, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Online sessions can also let someone practice skills in the setting where they live and make steady progress without long travel times.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
10+ years
Credentials
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she address?
She helps with trauma and abuse, depression, anxiety, bipolar challenges, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, parenting concerns, caregiver strain, sleep problems, ADHD, stress, and self-esteem issues.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
The approach is collaborative and person-centered. She combines practical skill work with reflective conversation to help people meet their goals.
What is her background and experience?
She has ten years of experience providing individual therapy and three decades of broader professional work. That clinical experience shapes a practical, steady approach.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds an LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker, and practices in Michigan.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does cost and billing work?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to get started?
Click the continue button on this profile, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.