Marissa Raines

I attribute my success to having a caring heart and an unwavering commitment to helping others. My own experience navigating challenging seasons shaped my empathy and gave me a profound understanding of the strength it takes to seek support and create change. Those moments became the foundation of my purpose and inspired me to pursue a career centered on service, advocacy, and healing.

I also credit my success to the Lord, my mentors, colleagues, and communities who believed in me and reinforced the importance of leading with integrity, compassion, and persistence. By staying grounded in humility, continuous learning, and a belief in people's capacity for growth, I strive to turn adversity into impact, both for myself and for those I am privileged to serve.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay rooted in purpose rather than position. Titles may change, but integrity, compassion, and consistency are what build lasting impact. I was encouraged to lead with authenticity, remain open to learning, and never underestimate the power of showing up fully for others, especially in moments when the work feels difficult.

That advice continues to guide me as I grow professionally, reminding me that meaningful success is measured not only by achievement, but by the lives you positively influence along the way.

I would advise young women entering this industry to lead with hope and encouragement, even on the days when the work feels heavy. Stay committed to lifelong learning, because growth, both personal and professional, is essential in a field that asks us to show up fully for others. Your education, supervision, and lived experiences all matter and will continue to shape the way you serve.

Most importantly, don’t underestimate the power of your own story. Your personal experiences can be a source of strength and connection, allowing you to meet others with authenticity and compassion on their recovery journeys. Set healthy boundaries, seek mentorship, trust your voice, and remember that your presence alone can be transformative. This work needs strong, resilient women who are willing to lead with heart, courage, and purpose.

One of the biggest challenges in the counseling field today is addressing the growing demand for accessible, high-quality mental health and substance use care, especially in rural and underserved areas. Workforce shortages, systemic barriers to insurance coverage, and the need for culturally responsive services make it difficult for many individuals to access support when they need it most. At the same time, the complexity of trauma, isolation, and ongoing stigma around mental health and addiction presents ongoing challenges for practitioners committed to equitable care.

However, these challenges also present powerful opportunities for growth, innovation, and advocacy. In Virginia, recent legislative and policy efforts are beginning to shape a more supportive environment for behavioral health care. Bipartisan legislation signed into law now allows individuals with past misdemeanors to work as peer recovery specialists after meeting certain criteria, expanding workforce diversity and lived-experience representation in care teams. Additionally, state budget proposals continue to include funding for crisis services, school-based mental health integration, and community-based supports, each aimed at strengthening the continuum of care across the Commonwealth.

Emerging trends in counseling further expand how we serve our communities. Telehealth continues to evolve as a vital tool for increasing access to services for people across geographic and socioeconomic lines, with schools and community programs leveraging virtual platforms to connect students and families to care. Integrated care models that bring mental health into primary care and educational settings are gaining traction, creating more holistic pathways to wellness. There’s also a growing emphasis on peer-informed services, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practices that center client experience and community strengths.

Ultimately, these developments highlight a promising shift: counselors are not only responding to needs in real time but helping to shape systems that support resilience, dignity, and long-term well-being for all.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are compassion, integrity, and authenticity. I believe in showing up for others with empathy and respect, creating spaces where people feel safe, heard, and valued. In my work as a counselor, this means practicing ethically, honoring confidentiality, and building genuine therapeutic relationships rooted in trust.

I also value resilience, growth, and service. I am committed to lifelong learning and self-reflection, understanding that personal and professional growth go hand in hand. Whether in my career or my personal life, I strive to lead with purpose, give back to my community, and uplift others, believing that real impact comes from connection, consistency, and a heart for service.