- Grief and loss
- Trauma recovery
- Caregiver support
About Marisela
Marisela Cuellar-VanHouten is a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in Michigan who focuses on grief, trauma, depression, and life changes. She supports people dealing with caregiver strain, chronic illness or pain, bipolar disorder, and issues that affect self-esteem and motivation. She is an LGBTQ+ ally and pays attention to how culture matters in each person's story.
She approaches each person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Conversations are adapted to what the person needs, and treatment plans are shaped together. Her style emphasizes practical steps people can try between sessions to build coping skills and notice small changes.
Her background includes a broad range of professional experience, with ten years focused on individual therapy. That work has involved grief work, caregiver burnout, dementia-related stress, and trauma and abuse concerns. She uses tools drawn from cognitive behavioral methods, mindfulness, and acceptance-oriented approaches to help people manage symptoms and make changes.
Sessions often include skills practice for stress, emotion regulation, sleep, and interpersonal problems. She also works with people on parenting concerns, relationship issues, career questions, and intimacy-related struggles. The aim is to help people regain functioning and move toward goals that matter to them.
Clients can expect a collaborative process where the therapist listens first, then offers options for coping and growth. Marisela emphasizes empowerment and clear steps so people can try new strategies and reevaluate what works for them.
She approaches each person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Conversations are adapted to what the person needs, and treatment plans are shaped together. Her style emphasizes practical steps people can try between sessions to build coping skills and notice small changes.
Her background includes a broad range of professional experience, with ten years focused on individual therapy. That work has involved grief work, caregiver burnout, dementia-related stress, and trauma and abuse concerns. She uses tools drawn from cognitive behavioral methods, mindfulness, and acceptance-oriented approaches to help people manage symptoms and make changes.
Sessions often include skills practice for stress, emotion regulation, sleep, and interpersonal problems. She also works with people on parenting concerns, relationship issues, career questions, and intimacy-related struggles. The aim is to help people regain functioning and move toward goals that matter to them.
Clients can expect a collaborative process where the therapist listens first, then offers options for coping and growth. Marisela emphasizes empowerment and clear steps so people can try new strategies and reevaluate what works for them.
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
How her approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then choose actions that match their values; it is useful for grief, anxiety, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and uses practical exercises to shift unhelpful patterns; this can help with depression, sleep problems, and mood symptoms. Mindfulness Therapy trains attention and present-moment awareness to reduce reactivity and build calm, which supports stress, caregiving strain, and trauma recovery.Finding the right approach is part of therapy. She will listen to your goals and preferences and recommend which methods to try. The plan evolves together, with regular check-ins to see what helps and what to adjust.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit care into a busy life - for example it can reduce travel, allow shorter check-ins during a work break, or avoid needing to be on camera for every visit. Licensed professionals can use these methods effectively in remote work when they are adapted to a person's needs.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Marisela address?
She helps people with grief, trauma and abuse, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, caregiver stress, chronic illness and related concerns like sleep and self-esteem.
What is her general therapeutic style?
Her approach is respectful and collaborative, focusing on practical steps, skills practice, and adapting conversations to each person's needs and culture.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 30 years of professional experience overall, with ten years dedicated to providing individual therapy.
What credentials and region are listed for this therapist?
She holds the LMSW credential and practices in Michigan.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and payment handled?
Costs vary by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with her?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on the therapist's availability.