Hello, I'm Marissa Cotter. I relocated from Long Beach to San Francisco in 2012 to pursue a graduate degree in Somatic Psychotherapy from California Institute of Integral Studies, and have fallen in love with this amazing city and the surrounding wilderness of the Bay Area.
 
Now: Currently I am a pre-licensed somatic therapist (mfti) and have a private practice in the Mission District of San Francisco, where I specialize in LGBTQ, women, youth, and trauma recovery. Additionally, I work for Creative Arts Charter School as a school counseling therapist, providing somatics and art therapy for K-8th graders and small groups. 
 
A little background: My professional work with youth began as a lifeguard and swim teacher, training new guards, running aquatics programs and camps, and coaching youth swim teams. While obtaining a BA from Long Beach State in Clinical Psychology, Anthropology and Social Justice, I supported local high schoolers in activism for racial justice in schools, became certified as a Reiki Master, and contributed as a trans*-youth activist and communications manager to Survivor’s Truths: TransYouth Speak Project: a Los Angeles based non-profit that focuses on using social media for social change.
 
Personal: In my personal life, I have been busy diving into spirit and nature, questing and camping with magical women, and deepening my connection to myself. Ecotherapy has become an integral addition to my daily mindfulness, yoga, and holistic body-honoring that influences my work. During time off, you can find me swimming laps in city pools, camping at the beach, cooking up delicious vegan meals with my sweetie, lounging with my two kitties, or out enjoying SF’s vibrant nightlife.
I’m so excited to begin with a wonderful group of San Francisco Youth!

Creative Arts Charter School
Survivor’s Truths: TransYouth Speak Project