Meet Our Presenters

Marissa Patsey, MEd, LPC (they/them)

Marissa Patsey, MEd, LPC (they/them) is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in Cleveland Heights and visiting faculty at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland. Marissa practices from a queer, Gestalt-oriented, developmental lens with evidence-based approaches to support clients where they are and as they engage in the therapeutic process.  They are interested in the way relational space informs our lived experiences, especially our ideas of self(ing).

Marissa is passionate about improving clinical competency for providers who support marginalized populations.  They created and co-teach a course at Cleveland State University on "Counseling LGBTQ+ Clients", one of only a handful of such classes in the country.  They also provide continuing education trainings on supporting LGBTQIAA+ clients as well as on the role of mental health counselors in psychedelic psychotherapy to local agencies, organizations, and academic institutions.  

A native Ohioan, Marissa enjoy being and foraging in nature, spending time with family and furry loved ones, and playing music with friends.

Ellen Ressler Hoffman, MA, LPCC (she/her)

Ellen Ressler Hoffman, MA, LPCC (she/her) is a body-oriented Gestalt psychotherapist, trainer, and dancer in private practice in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, working with individuals, families, and groups.  She co-chairs the Gestalt Training Program, and is a core faculty member of the Working with Physical Process training program at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland.  

With over 25 years experience as a dancer, she integrates her love of movement with an evidence-based, collaborative, embodied relational approach in her work with her clients. In her free time Ellen enjoys dancing, digging in the dirt, spending time with her children and loved ones, reading, and being in nature.