Meet Marissa Akers
MA, LCMHC-A
Supporting Children, Teenagers, and Adults in North Carolina
You don’t have to carry it all on your own.
Right now, life might feel overwhelming. You may be juggling constant stress, anxiety, and pressure—whether it’s school, sports, family changes, or relationships that leave you feeling more drained than supported. Maybe your mind doesn’t stop racing, and no matter how hard you try, peace feels just out of reach.
You can begin building a life that feels balanced, connected, and calm—one where you feel in control, supported, and truly yourself.
Hi, I’m Marissa
I’m honored to be part of this next chapter in your life. Like many, I know firsthand that we all face challenges at different points in our journey. As a former collegiate athlete, I often found myself juggling multiple demands and navigating intense pressure—both on and off the field.
What truly stood out during that time was witnessing the power of counseling in the lives of my teammates and friends. I watched them grow in self-love, acceptance, and resilience—transformations that inspired me deeply. While my own path into this work has many layers, it all began with a desire to be part of that same kind of healing.
Now, I’m here to walk alongside you as you begin your own journey. My hope is that, through our work together, you’ll discover not only the strength within yourself but also a deep appreciation for the transformative impact of therapy.
Meet Azula, Marissa’s In-Training Therapy Dog
Azula, aka ZUZU, brings a sense of warmth, lightheartedness, and comfort to the therapy room. Her quirky and outgoing personality often helps ease tension and anxiety, creating a welcoming and relaxed environment for clients of all ages. Whether she’s offering a gentle presence or enjoying some well-earned belly rubs, Azula has a special way of connecting with others and making them feel at ease.
Outside the office, Azula loves socializing at the park, playing with her favorite toy (a flirt pole introduced by her trainer), and spending time with her big sister, Atlas. On weekends, you might find her cheering on the sidelines at volleyball tournaments or soaking up the sun at the beach.
My Approach
In our time together, my goal is to create a space where you feel heard, supported, and truly yourself. I believe therapy works best when it’s a partnership—open, honest, and built on trust. I take a humanistic and flexible approach, which means I focus on your unique needs and tailor our work to what feels most helpful for you.
With adults, that may look like thoughtful conversations, exploring patterns, and using evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Animal-Assisted Therapy to support growth and change.
For teens and kids, therapy may include creative approaches like play, art, and goal-setting to help make the process engaging and meaningful. We’ll talk, reflect, and work together to navigate whatever challenges are showing up—whether that’s stress at school, friendship struggles, big emotions, or tough transitions.
Education & Credentials
NC LCMHC-A (#A21246)
Bachelors of Science in Molecular and Microbiology :Knox College
Masters in Counseling : Indiana Wesleyan University