ABOUT MARISA BYERS-MCNAMARA-
Therapist in Wichita Falls, TX:
Compassionate Counseling for Children, Teens & Adults
Marisa's Background
​With over 24 years of experience in various settings including private practice, educational settings, and nursing homes, I am dedicated to providing expert mental health support for individuals of all ages. I have a passion for helping children, teens, adults, and families overcome challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful change. I specialize in treating children's behavioral problems, ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, stress, self-esteem challenges, anger management, and trauma recovery, including narcissistic abuse and toxic relationship trauma.
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As a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of McNamara Counseling in the Wichita Falls, Texas area, I provide individualized therapy in a supportive, welcoming environment where clients can feel heard, understood, and accepted.
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Throughout my career, I have worked in private practice, educational settings, community-based programs, and nursing homes, giving me the opportunity to work with clients across many ages, backgrounds, and stages of life.
My areas of focus include:
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Child and adolescent behavioral concerns
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ADHD
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Anxiety and excessive worry
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Depression
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Grief and loss
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Stress and life transitions
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Low self-esteem
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Anger management and emotional regulation
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Trauma and PTSD-related symptoms
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Relationship difficulties
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Emotional and psychological abuse
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Narcissistic abuse recovery
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Toxic and unhealthy relationship patterns
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My goal is not simply to help clients cope with what they are experiencing, but to help them better understand themselves, develop healthier patterns, strengthen their confidence, and move toward lasting emotional wellness.
A Career Dedicated to Helping Children & Families
Born and raised in Central Texas, I spent 14 years working across eleven school districts, providing mental health and behavioral support to at-risk youth and students with significant emotional and behavioral needs.
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As a behavior specialist, I developed individualized behavioral intervention plans, collaborated with parents and educators, advocated for students during special education and ARD meetings, and provided community presentations to help parents better understand childhood emotional and behavioral disorders.
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Those years had a profound impact on the therapist I am today. Helping children and families who are struggling remains especially near and dear to my heart.
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My experience working within schools also gives me a unique understanding of the challenges children and teenagers may face academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. When working with young clients, I strive to look beyond the behavior itself and understand what the child may be trying to communicate underneath it.
Experience in Psychology & Higher Education
While living in Central Texas, I also taught psychology courses at Tarleton State University and Baylor University.
My teaching experience included courses in:
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Behavior Modification
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Abnormal Psychology
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Psychological Testing & Measurement
Teaching psychology strengthened my appreciation for evidence-based treatment and the importance of helping clients and families understand not only what they are experiencing, but also why certain thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationship patterns develop.
Today, I incorporate that same educational approach into therapy when appropriate so clients can better understand themselves and feel empowered to make meaningful changes.
Trauma & Narcissistic Abuse Recovery
After relocating to North Texas and opening McNamara Counseling in 2020, I pursued additional specialized training and certifications related to personality disorders, emotional abuse, narcissistic abuse, and toxic relationship recovery.
Helping survivors of narcissistic and emotional abuse has become an important focus of my practice.
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The effects of narcissistic abuse can extend far beyond the relationship itself. Clients may struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, guilt, confusion, hypervigilance, difficulty trusting their own perceptions, low self-esteem, unhealthy relationship patterns, or a diminished sense of identity.
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My dedication to this work is both professional and personal.
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Having experienced the complexities of narcissistic relationships firsthand, I understand how difficult it can be to explain what you have experienced—especially when others may not fully recognize or understand emotional and psychological abuse.
That perspective allows me to combine clinical knowledge with genuine empathy and understanding.
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My goal is to provide a safe, validating environment where clients can begin making sense of their experiences, rebuild trust in themselves, establish healthier boundaries, strengthen their sense of identity, and move toward healing.
My Approach to Counseling
I believe effective therapy should never feel like a one-size-fits-all process.
Every client comes into counseling with a different history, personality, set of strengths, and reason for seeking help. I tailor treatment to the individual rather than expecting the individual to fit a particular therapeutic approach.
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Depending on a client's needs and goals, therapy may incorporate evidence-based strategies from approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-informed therapy, behavioral interventions, play-based techniques, and other therapeutic methods.
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With children and adolescents, I place particular emphasis on building trust and creating an environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves. I also value collaboration with parents and caregivers when appropriate because meaningful progress often extends beyond the therapy office.
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With adults, I strive to create a space where clients can speak openly without fear of judgment while gaining greater insight into the patterns, relationships, experiences, and beliefs that may be affecting their emotional well-being.
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Above all, I want my clients to know that therapy is a collaborative process. We work together to identify what is keeping you stuck and develop practical strategies for moving forward.
Beyond the Office
When I am not in session, I love spending time outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and working with horses. I also enjoy training barrel racing horses for rodeo competition.
My greatest joy, however, is spending time with my son, Barron, and supporting him in his activities and adventures.
These parts of my life help keep me grounded and continually remind me of the importance of family, connection, perseverance, and enjoying the moments that matter.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Reaching out for counseling can feel overwhelming, particularly when you have been struggling for a long time or are unsure where to begin.
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You do not have to have everything figured out before coming to therapy.
Whether you are looking for counseling for your child or teenager, struggling with anxiety or depression, healing from trauma, or recovering from narcissistic or emotional abuse, I would be honored to walk alongside you.
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Together, we can work toward greater understanding, healthier relationships, stronger coping skills, increased confidence, and a more hopeful future.
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McNamara Counseling provides professional counseling services for children, teens, and adults in the Wichita Falls, Texas area and surrounding North Texas communities.