Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisa Sissel.
Marisa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into social work began long before I ever earned a credential. I grew up witnessing firsthand how trauma and adversity shape people, their families, and their futures. I knew early on that I wanted to make a difference, not by ‘fixing’ people, but by helping them find their own strength, voice, and balance.
I entered the field of Social Work in 2005, working in a variety of settings — community mental health, hospitals, schools, and group practices — gaining experience with individuals facing trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and major life transitions. Over time, I developed a deep passion for trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices such as EMDR, CBT, and DBT. I saw how powerful it was when people were given the tools to heal rather than just survive.
After nearly two decades in the field, I took a leap of faith and opened Inner Balance Psychotherapy Services, LLC in Summerville, South Carolina. I wanted to build a space rooted in authenticity, compassion, and connection — a place where clients feel genuinely seen and supported. What started as a vision with just myself has now grown into a practice expanding to include additional therapists who share the same mission and values.
It wasn’t a linear journey. I navigated fear, burnout, self-doubt, and even legal challenges along the way. I opened my practice while rebuilding my life from the ground up, and there were moments it felt impossible. But each barrier strengthened my purpose. Today, I am proud to support individuals, families, and communities in healing from trauma and reclaiming their power.
Inner Balance exists because healing is possible, transformation is real, and everyone deserves a safe space to grow. My mission is to continue expanding access to quality mental healthcare, mentoring new therapists, and building a practice that is heart-centered, ethical, and deeply human.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not — the road has been anything but smooth, and in many ways that is what shaped the work I do today.
Building a private practice, especially in the mental health field, has come with countless challenges. I faced financial risk, long hours, uncertainty, and the weight of learning how to run a business while still showing up fully for the people who depend on me. There were moments when I questioned whether I was capable, whether I would be able to sustain myself, or whether anyone would trust me enough to build something meaningful with me.
On a personal level, I’ve had to navigate significant life stressors, health challenges, and legal and professional obstacles that tested my resilience. Opening my practice in the midst of rebuilding my own life and identity was overwhelming at times. There were days I felt discouraged, misunderstood, or completely exhausted.
I also struggled with the loneliness that comes with leadership — making big decisions on your own, facing criticism, learning through mistakes, and trusting yourself even when others don’t see your vision. And as a woman in business, I’ve encountered barriers and biases that required me to advocate for myself fiercely.
But every struggle taught me something essential. I learned discipline. I learned the importance of asking for help. I learned that vulnerability is not weakness. And I learned that growth requires discomfort.
The obstacles became the foundation. They shaped my purpose, deepened my empathy, and made me a better therapist, mentor, and leader. Looking back, I wouldn’t change any of it, because every hard chapter is part of why I’m here and why I’m able to walk with others through their own healing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Inner Balance Psychotherapy Services, LLC?
Inner Balance Psychotherapy Services, LLC is a trauma-informed private practice located in Summerville, South Carolina, dedicated to helping people move from surviving to truly living. We provide individual and family therapy with a focus on healing trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and significant life transitions. Our mission is to offer a compassionate, safe, and authentic environment where clients feel supported, understood, and empowered.
We specialize in evidence-based trauma modalities, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-based approaches. I am particularly passionate about helping individuals process trauma stored within the body and nervous system, allowing them to break lifelong cycles and reconnect with their authentic selves. We take a holistic, integrative approach that respects the mind-body connection and honors each person’s unique story.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to genuine human connection. Therapy at Inner Balance isn’t a sterile clinical experience — it’s relational, real, and deeply collaborative. We meet clients exactly where they are, without judgment or pretense. Our core belief is that healing happens through safety, trust, and authentic relationship, not through quick fixes.
I am also incredibly proud of how quickly the practice has grown. What began as one therapist with a vision is now expanding into a supportive team of clinicians, offering more access to care and supervision for LMSWs seeking clinical licensure. Our brand is built on compassion, integrity, and community impact — creating a space where both clients and therapists can thrive.
Inner Balance is more than a psychotherapy office — it is a place of transformation. We want readers to know that therapy doesn’t have to be intimidating or clinical. It can be hopeful, empowering, and a powerful act of reclaiming yourself. Whether you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, or simply striving to become the best version of yourself, you deserve a space that honors your journey.
We are continuing to grow our services, expand our team, and create innovative and accessible paths to mental health support. At Inner Balance, our purpose is simple: healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking forward, I am incredibly excited about the continued growth and expansion of Inner Balance Psychotherapy Services, LLC. My vision is to build a thriving, trauma-informed group practice that provides accessible, high-quality mental health care to our community. I am in the process of expanding our team by onboarding additional therapists, including LMSWs seeking clinical supervision, which will allow us to increase capacity and serve more individuals and families who are in need of support.
I’m also exploring the development of specialized programs focused on trauma recovery, EMDR intensives, adolescent services, and community-based workshops centered on wellness, mind-body connection, and emotional resilience. A long-term goal is to create a holistic healing space where traditional psychotherapy can integrate with complementary approaches such as mindfulness work, movement therapies, and somatic healing modalities.
On a personal level and from a business perspective, I’m looking forward to continuing to grow as a leader, mentor, and clinician—supporting other therapists in developing their skills and building sustainable, ethical, client-centered careers. I am passionate about elevating the field of social work, advocating for trauma-informed care, and empowering both clients and clinicians to step into their most authentic, balanced selves.
Yes, there are big changes ahead—expanding staff, expanding services, and expanding impact. It’s both exciting and humbling, and I’m deeply grateful to be in a place where passion and purpose intersect.
Pricing:
- We take all major insurance carriers
- Sliding scale available
- Cash, Card, HSA
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.innerbalancemh.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GubaUvNTV/?mibextid=wwXIfr
