I had the great opportunity to interview local marriage and family therapist, Marissa Talarico. She is a gifted therapist who specializes in couples dealing with infidelity, anxiety, and family issues. She also specializes in sex therapy treating a wide range of challenges, including sex addiction. She sees clients at her office in downtown Vancouver, Washington. I had the chance to meet up with her for coffee and ask some questions.

What kind of counselor are you?

Theoretically I am trained as a marriage and family therapist. What this means to me is that I view your problem statement in a context. I look at not only where you are at now, and who you consider your family, but also the ways in which you were raised, what community you feel most closely tied to, and who you have in your life. I truly believe in understanding and hearing the whole person that you are, as opposed to only hearing about the problem that brings you into the therapy room.

How long have you been practicing counseling?

It seems like I have practiced as a counselor my whole life. From early childhood I often found myself in the position with my friends as the listener, the advice giver, the shoulder to bear ones soul to. Professionally I have spent my entire adult life in the helping services ranging from caregiving, working in memory care, to case management and counseling.