Creating a safe space for calm and connection

Meet Marissa

Marissa Irvine is a registered Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She has over 20 years of experience working across both public and private settings, and has been the director of her own private practice since 2019.

Marissa has a special interest in the treatment of adults with a range of mental health conditions and in particular helping individuals heal from trauma with EMDR therapy. She is an accredited EMDR practitioner with the EMDR Association Australia.

A photo of a woman in a blazer sitting in front of a plant. She has her hair in a bob and is smiling. Marissa Irvine Psychology - About - Meet Marissa - EMDR Therapy Practitioner

Therapeutic Approach

Marissa's therapeutic approach can be described as compassionate, collaborative and integrative of the mind and body. She believes her role is to provide a safe, supportive space where clients feel seen, understood, and guided in reconnecting with their own capacity for healing and growth.

Marissa practices within an evidence based framework tailoring treatment intervention to the individual needs of the client. Her preferred treatment approach is an integration of EMDR and IFS which are two powerful modalities that support healing at a deeper level resulting in lasting change.

In addition to EMDR and IFS, Marissa is also an experienced CBT and ACT therapist and has level 1 & 2 EFT therapist training. See below for more information about these different treatment interventions.

Treatment Interventions

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidenced based therapeutic approach endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to help people heal from the impact of stressful or traumatic experiences. When something overwhelming happens, our brains sometimes struggle to process the memory properly. This can leave the memory “stuck,” causing ongoing distress, flashbacks, anxiety, or negative beliefs about ourselves.
EMDR helps the brain and the body reprocess these memories so that they no longer feel as overwhelming. It uses a structured method that combines recalling aspects of the experience while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds that alternate from side to side). This process helps the brain “file” the memory in a healthier way.
Research has shown EMDR to be highly effective for:
Trauma and post-traumatic stress (PTSD), Anxiety and panic, Depression, Grief and loss, Low self-esteem and negative self-beliefs.
Visit the EMDRAA resources page for more information.
What is IFS?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a gentle, compassionate approach to therapy that helps people understand and heal the different “parts” of themselves. We all have parts — for example, a part that worries, a part that feels sad, a part that pushes us to work harder, or a part that wants to avoid certain situations. Sometimes these parts can feel in conflict, leaving us stuck or overwhelmed.
IFS provides a safe way to connect with these parts, understand their roles, and help them heal. At the centre of this approach is the idea that everyone has a core Self — a wise, calm, and compassionate inner presence. With support, this Self can build a healthier relationship with all the parts inside us.
IFS can be especially helpful for:
Trauma and emotional wounds, Anxiety and depression, Relationship difficulties, Self-criticism or inner conflict, Feeling “stuck” or disconnected from yourself.
Visit the IFS Institute webpage for more information.
What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a practical, evidence-based approach to managing a wide range of mental health concerns. It is considered a gold standard treatment because it has been thoroughly researched and shown to be effective across many different issues and age groups.
CBT helps people understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Often, unhelpful thinking patterns can keep us stuck in cycles of distress. CBT provides tools to identify and shift these patterns so people can respond to challenges in more helpful and balanced ways.
CBT can help with:
Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Panic attacks, Phobias, OCD, PTSD, Low self-esteem, Perfectionism, Sleep difficulties, Anger, Chronic pain, and Adjustment to life changes.
What is ACT?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that helps people build a more meaningful life—even in the presence of difficult thoughts and feelings. Rather than trying to "get rid of" distress, ACT teaches them how to respond to it in a more flexible and compassionate way.
ACT helps to clarify what really matters, and supports people in taking actions that align with their values. Through mindfulness, acceptance strategies, and practical behavioural tools, ACT can support lasting change and improved wellbeing, especially for concerns like:
Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Life transitions. This approach is especially helpful if trying to “think your way out” of distress hasn’t worked.
What is EFT?

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), often called “tapping,” is a gentle, evidence-informed approach that combines elements of mindfulness, exposure therapy, and acupressure. By tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations, EFT helps release stress, reduce anxiety, and shift unhelpful patterns.
EFT is widely used to support emotional well-being, manage trauma responses, alleviate physical tension, and enhance overall resilience. Sessions are collaborative, empowering individuals to access and process difficult emotions safely, promoting lasting emotional balance and personal growth.