Frequently Asked Questions

Our goal provide you with all the information you need to understand and make the most of our therapy services. Here, you'll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive about counseling and therapy sessions, as well as information on our policies, and more. We understand that seeking therapy can be a new and sometimes overwhelming experience, and we're here to make it as easy and stress-free as possible. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help.

CONTACT FORM

BOOKING INFO

Getting Started -

To work with Marissa, fill out our contact form. After your form is submitted, you will be contacted directly by Marissa to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.

Crisis -

IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS For immediate attention, dial 911. Crisis Text Lines or Call Lines provide immediate 24/7 emotional support to anyone in crisis. Below are the steps on how to contact a crisis text or call line. Instructions below:

Crisis Text & Call Lines -

• Text START to 741741 or Text/ Call 988

• You can text into the Crisis Text line about the situation that you are experiencing.

• A trained specialist takes the text and quickly responds.

• This trained specialist assists you to stay safe by providing counseling, referrals and resources using the platform. Additional hotlines that are available 24/7.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK(8255)

• National 24/7 Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

• Military Veterans Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (Press 1)

• Suicide Hotline in Spanish: 1-800-273-TALK (Press 2)

• LGBTQ Youth Suicide Hotline: 1-866-488-7386

Consultation -

The consultation is an opportunity to determine if we are good fit. During the call, Marissa will determine what your circumstances are, how our team can be of assistance, and what you hope to accomplish with your therapist. By the end of the call, you will be given an estimate of your therapy costs and you will have the option to book an appointment.

Booking Times -

We offer sessions to accommodate the busy schedules of our clients which includes evening as well as daytime availability.

Location -

Therapy sessions are held at our physical location 2641 Stonewood Park Loop, Land O Lakes, FL, or through virtual sessions.

Teletherapy -

We also provide virtual therapy appointments using HIPAA-compliant video communication. Once your session is booked you will receive a calendar invite which includes the one time secure link. Prior to the session you will receive a reminder to join via email or text. You can simply join the session on any mobile device or tablet using the app or any desktop/laptop by clicking the link.

THERAPY INFO

Session Length -

Sessions are structured to be 50 minutes long and are often scheduled weekly, especially when
first starting out.

Client's Age -

All ages 6+ are welcome to receive mental health services from For the Love of You.

Confidentiality -

Florida law protects the relationship between a client and his/her therapist, and information that
cannot be disclosed without written permission. There are exceptions where I am required by law
to report this to the appropriate parties immediately, they include:

Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse
If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If he/she does not cooperate, I will have to take further measures without their permission to ensure their safety.

Therapy Approach -

Marissa Witter specializes with Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Play Therapy techniques, and Solution Focused Therapy.

Modality -

Individual, group, and family therapy.

What to Expect -

Therapy sessions will focus on you and your expressed needs. Sessions last around 50 minutes and are collaborative as they allow you to talk about anything that is on your mind. Often you will be asked to complete homework assignment outside of session- this is strictly for your benefit. It is best if you try to incorporate the work, we do in session into your life outside of session as you are likely to see improvements in your self-worth and
relationships, and increased self-awareness.

YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED WITH CARE

How do I know if I or my teen actually need therapy?

That feeling that something isn’t quite right? That’s your signal. Whether it’s a constant sense of overwhelm, changes in sleep, irritability, or just feeling "off," therapy gives you space to explore what’s going on. It doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It just means you’re carrying a lot—and we’re here to help lighten that load. For teens, emotions can hit hard and fast. If your child is withdrawing, struggling in school, showing big mood swings, or telling you they feel anxious or down, that’s a cue. Therapy can offer the support they need to feel seen, heard, and safe.

How does therapy help young adults?

Being a young adult can feel like juggling a dozen lives at once—school, work, relationships, future plans, and a growing sense of self. At For The Love of You, we specialize in helping young adults build confidence, reduce anxiety, and figure out what they really want (and don’t want) out of life. Therapy can help you understand your patterns, process past experiences, and learn tools to handle whatever life throws your way. It’s about gaining clarity, building inner peace, and feeling more in control of your story.

What does a typical teen therapy session look like?

We keep things relaxed and low-pressure. The first few sessions are about getting to know each other. Your teen doesn’t have to dive into anything heavy right away. We might talk about what they like, what’s been going on lately, or just explore what feels safe to share. Over time, therapy becomes a space where your teen can talk freely without judgment. Whether it’s school stress, friendships, anxiety, or something deeper, we work at their pace and build trust every step of the way.

Will the therapist tell my parents everything?

Nope, and that’s important. We follow strict confidentiality guidelines to make sure teens have a safe place to open up. If there’s something serious going on that puts someone at risk, we’ll work with you to navigate that safely. But otherwise, what’s said in therapy stays in therapy. We do encourage healthy family communication, and if your teen wants to include you in their progress, we help make that happen in a way that feels supportive and not forced.

What types of therapy do you offer?

At For The Love of You, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We offer therapy tailored to your needs using evidence-based practices like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and mindfulness-based approaches. We’re also experienced in trauma-informed care and culturally sensitive therapy. We meet you where you are and guide you toward where you want to be—emotionally, mentally, and in your everyday life.

How long does each session last, and how often should we come?

Most sessions last around 50 minutes. Some clients prefer to come weekly, especially when they're working through something intense. Others shift to biweekly once they feel more grounded. It really depends on your goals, needs, and what feels manageable in your schedule. We talk through the options with you during your first session so you feel comfortable and confident in your plan.

Can therapy really help with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or identity issues?

Absolutely. Therapy helps you unpack what’s behind the anxiety, the sadness, the feeling like you’re not enough. We help you make sense of your thoughts and feelings, so you can stop spinning and start healing. Many of our clients have found relief from the heavy stuff they’ve been carrying. They walk away with tools to calm their mind, communicate more clearly, and feel more connected to who they are.

What about online/teletherapy options?

We offer secure, private teletherapy for clients across Florida. Whether you’re in school, working, or managing a full schedule, online therapy makes it easier to get the support you need without the commute. We use a HIPAA-compliant video platform so your sessions are just as safe and personal as in-office visits. Some of our clients even say they feel more comfortable opening up from their own space.

How can parents best support their teen’s therapy process?

Support starts with trust. Give your teen space to talk openly in therapy without pressure to report back. Be curious, not intrusive. Ask how they're feeling, not just what they talked about. Let them set the pace. We’re always happy to help parents know how to show up for their teen in ways that are encouraging and respectful. Therapy works best when everyone feels like a team.

How much does it usually cost, and does insurance cover it?

We do not accept insurance but we work with Mentaya, a platform that helps clients get reimbursed for out-of-network therapy. If you’re unsure about your coverage, Mentaya can quickly check your benefits for you. You’ll find our session rates, booking details, all clearly laid out on our Rates & Fees page. And if you have questions, we’re just a message away. We want to make therapy as accessible and transparent as possible for you.