Marisa Howard, Somatic Psychotherapist and Rehabilitation Counsellor at Kundalini House in North Fitzroy, Melbourne.

Not sure where to start? Our friendly reception team is happy to help you find the right appointment. Call us on 03 9482 4325, or book a complimentary Discovery Call with Marisa here.

Marisa Howard

Somatic Psychotherapist & Rehabilitation Counsellor

Helping people heal from trauma, chronic illness and life’s challenges through compassionate, body-oriented psychotherapy.

Supporting you with:

Somatic Psychotherapy • Rehabilitation Counselling

Phone:
Email: marisa@mhtherapy.com.au
Website: www.mhtherapy.com.au

Quick facts

✓ Supports adults recovering from trauma and complex trauma
✓ Helps regulate the nervous system using Somatic Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing® and EMDR
✓ Supports people living with chronic illness, chronic pain, persistent fatigue and Long COVID
✓ Helps people navigate grief, loss, anxiety and major life transitions
✓ Experienced in rehabilitation following illness, injury and workplace challenges
✓ Compassionate, body-oriented approach that honours each person’s unique healing journey
✓ Works collaboratively to build resilience, self-awareness and lasting wellbeing
✓ Available for in-person appointments at Kundalini House

About Marisa

MHSc (Rehabilitation Counselling), GradCertArts, DipBOP, BAppSc

Marisa Howard is a Somatic Psychotherapist, Rehabilitation Counsellor, EMDR therapist and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner with more than 20 years’ experience supporting people through trauma, chronic illness, injury, grief and major life transitions.

Marisa works from a person-centred foundation of respect, curiosity and compassion, creating a safe, non-judgemental space where clients can slow down, explore their experiences and discover new ways of relating to themselves and others. She believes that each person already holds an innate capacity for healing, and that therapy can help uncover the internal resources needed for lasting change.

Drawing on Somatic Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing®, EMDR and evidence-based psychological therapies, Marisa tailors her approach to the unique needs of each client. Her work recognises that the mind and body are inseparable. While insight is valuable, healing often requires us to gently work with the nervous system and the body’s lived experience, where stress, trauma and protective patterns can become held over time.

Marisa has a particular interest in supporting people experiencing trauma and complex trauma, anxiety, chronic stress, grief and loss, chronic pain, persistent fatigue, Long COVID, insomnia and the emotional impacts of chronic illness or injury. She also works with relationship difficulties, workplace challenges, career transitions and vocational rehabilitation, helping people rebuild confidence, resilience and a renewed sense of possibility.

Before becoming a Psychotherapist, Marisa worked in natural area management and conservation. Following a significant injury that brought this career to an unexpected end, she experienced the rehabilitation process firsthand. This deeply personal journey sparked a passion for understanding the relationship between physical health, emotional wellbeing and the nervous system, ultimately leading her into the fields of psychotherapy and rehabilitation counselling.

Since first training in Body-Oriented Psychotherapy in 2003, Marisa has continued to expand her practice through ongoing professional development in contemporary trauma therapies, integrating body-based, relational and evidence-informed approaches. Alongside her Psychotherapy practice, she has many years of experience as a Rehabilitation Counsellor and Wellness Coach, supporting people recovering from serious illness and injury to reconnect with meaningful work, relationships and everyday life.

Marisa is passionate about helping people move beyond simply managing symptoms. Her intention is to support clients to develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience and nervous system regulation, so they can experience more choice, connection and wellbeing in their lives.

Whether you are navigating trauma, living with a chronic health condition, feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, Marisa offers a thoughtful and compassionate therapeutic relationship that honours your individual pace and experience.

Qualifications & Professional Memberships

Qualifications

  • MHSc (Rehabilitation Counselling) – La Trobe University
  • GradCertArts (Applied Linguistics & Counselling) – University of New England
  • DipBOP (Body-Oriented Psychotherapy) – Institute of Energy Science
  • BAppSc (Protected Area Management) – The University of Queensland

Advanced Training

  • Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner
  • EMDR Therapist
  • Certified Wellness Coach
  • Mental Health First Aid Instructor

Professional Memberships

  • Clinical Member, PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia)
  • Full Member, ASORC (Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors)
  • WorkSafe Victoria Provider

Explore More from Marisa

Read Marisa’s latest articles on health and embodied wellbeing:

Marisa works Wednesdays and Fridays at Kundalini House. Call to make an Appointment: 03 9482 4325