Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Mazur.
Hi Marissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my career as a middle school counselor, driven by a desire to be an advocate for young people during one of the most vulnerable, challenging, and ever-changing seasons of their lives. There’s something incredibly powerful about showing up for adolescents as they begin to make sense of who they are and where they fit in the world.
But even early on, I knew my journey wouldn’t stop there. I’ve always been deeply curious about people—their stories, their behaviors, the “why” behind what they do—and, more importantly, how to support them through it. That curiosity led me to expand my path while continuing my work in the school system. I pursued my Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential so I could also sit with adults in their stories and support them through life’s complexities.
For a while, my days and nights reflected that passion. I spent my days with middle schoolers and my evenings with adult clients, slowly building what would become my one-woman private practice. It was demanding, but it felt aligned—like I was exactly where I was meant to be.
Then, two years ago, everything shifted in the most challenging, scary and wonderful way: I became a mother. With that came a new awareness of time, presence, and what truly matters. I realized I could no longer stretch myself across so many hours and still be the mother I wanted to be.
So I made a choice that felt both terrifying and deeply right. I said goodbye to my tenured position in the school system and took a full, hold-your-breath leap into private practice and entrepreneurship.
What a ride it has been but I continue to feel so grateful for my clients who trust me in some of their most vulnerable moments as we navigate their journeys together.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a full time mom and trying to get a private practice going during these tumultuous times certainly isn’t easy; but I have always considered myself a problem solver. I was learning how to be a new mom and new entrepreneur at the same time. I want to be 100% present for my son and 100% for my clients. It sometimes gets hectic, crazy, tiresome, but that’s life and I am human.
Post Covid; telehealth and sharing clinical spaces have become more of the norm to keep overhead costs as reasonable as possible. I am so thankful for my shared clinical office space in Somerville. The rotation of clinicians on different days helps to not have to carry full financial burden of a brick and mortar lease on my own. This has allowed me to see clients in person which I always wanted to be able to incorporate to support that preference for those looking for it.
As you know, we’re big fans of Real Wellness Counseling . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am the owner and mental health therapist for my private practice. I currently see adults looking for support in life transitions with a particular focus in relationships and post partum support for mothers. I also gear my work to the many ways that anxiety is showing up in peoples lives. I think something that sets me apart and that I am proud of is my authenticity in my practice. I am a real person too with my own personality. I can probably say the wrong thing at times but will show up for my clients 100% in session while providing a safe and non judgmental space.I believe this builds a level of trust from the first meeting which is crucial to do our work together in a real way.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me? Tough one. I want my focus and drive to give me the autonomy and time to be with my family, like really be there and be present for all the things. As I get older, I realize you can never buy back time. That makes me sad. So I decided to make my own rules by doing this business so I can be there all the times for my family, my son and I have no regrets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Realwellnesscounseling.com
- Instagram: @Marissamazurlpc
