Marisa M. Tomasic, Ph.D.

Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

Licensed Counseling Psychologist

Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist who has worked in private practice since 1993. Her areas of expertise include treating adults coping with stress, depression, anxiety, loss, and phase of life issues. She holds a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and a bachelors degree in psychology from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She received her doctorate in counseling psychology from The University of Pittsburgh in 1993. In addition to private practice, she has contributed to various blogs, as well as regional and national publications, including the PTSD Journal. She is a member of The American Psychological Association and GoodTherapy.org. Besides being an avid beach lover, she enjoys writing children’s books and having fun with her adult children, grandchild, and extended family.

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Counseling Psychology, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Master of Science (M.S.), Rehabilitation Counseling, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Psychology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC

Certifications

  • Licensed Psychologist

Professional Organizations

Related

Nervous habits can develop
Mental Health

What’s the Difference Between Stress and Anxiety?

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

They’re often used interchangeably but are not the same. Mental health experts reveal how to tell the two apart—and what to do for both.

Nervous habits can develop
Mental Health

What’s the Difference Between Stress and Anxiety?

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

They’re often used interchangeably but are not the same. Mental health experts reveal how to tell the two apart—and what to do for both.

Mature senior man sitting on floor practicing guided meditation
Mental Health

10 In-the-Moment Stress Relievers

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

With these techniques, it’s surprisingly easy to keep that last nerve from being trampled.

Mature senior man sitting on floor practicing guided meditation
Mental Health

10 In-the-Moment Stress Relievers

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

With these techniques, it’s surprisingly easy to keep that last nerve from being trampled.

A woman sits on a couch surrounded by shopping bags.
Bipolar Disorder

Mania: Signs, Causes, and Tips for Managing an Episode

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

The euphoric aspect of bipolar disorder can seem amazing—until it isn’t. Here’s what you need to know about manic episodes.

A woman sits on a couch surrounded by shopping bags.
Bipolar Disorder

Mania: Signs, Causes, and Tips for Managing an Episode

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

The euphoric aspect of bipolar disorder can seem amazing—until it isn’t. Here’s what you need to know about manic episodes.

A supportive partner puts their arm around their partner while they look out at a view together.
Anxiety

How You Can Help a Partner With Anxiety

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

Tips on how best to approach them, and the importance of caring for your own mental health in the process.

A supportive partner puts their arm around their partner while they look out at a view together.
Anxiety

How You Can Help a Partner With Anxiety

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

Tips on how best to approach them, and the importance of caring for your own mental health in the process.

A man puts his arm around his wife as they sit together on the couch and talk to a therapist during a marriage counseling appointment.
Relationships

Does Marriage Counseling Work?

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

Experts say it can if you know what to expect, and are prepared to put in the work.

A man puts his arm around his wife as they sit together on the couch and talk to a therapist during a marriage counseling appointment.
Relationships

Does Marriage Counseling Work?

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

Experts say it can if you know what to expect, and are prepared to put in the work.

A woman enjoys a conversation with her significant other in a video call on her phone while laying in bed.
Relationships

In a Long-Distance Relationship? These Sex Toys Can Help

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

App-controlled gadgets can simulate the physical contact you just can’t get from a video chat.

A woman enjoys a conversation with her significant other in a video call on her phone while laying in bed.
Relationships

In a Long-Distance Relationship? These Sex Toys Can Help

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

App-controlled gadgets can simulate the physical contact you just can’t get from a video chat.

A sad bride sits on a bed, looking out of the window.
Depression

What Is Post-Wedding Depression?

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

Feeling sad after your wedding is common—you haven’t made a huge mistake; you’re just let down after probably the best party and vacation of your life. But here’s when sadness might be turning into depression.

A sad bride sits on a bed, looking out of the window.
Depression

What Is Post-Wedding Depression?

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

Feeling sad after your wedding is common—you haven’t made a huge mistake; you’re just let down after probably the best party and vacation of your life. But here’s when sadness might be turning into depression.

Lonely, regretful young man by a window
Relationships

Men and Heartbreak: Why Women Are Better at Breakups

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

When relationships end, women do better than straight men. We investigate why it matters, what's changing, and how to help men heal.

Lonely, regretful young man by a window
Relationships

Men and Heartbreak: Why Women Are Better at Breakups

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

When relationships end, women do better than straight men. We investigate why it matters, what's changing, and how to help men heal.

A farm house engulfed in flames.
PTSD and Trauma

Acute Stress Disorder vs. PTSD: What's the Difference?

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

They’re both responses to traumatic events, but their onset and duration differ.

A farm house engulfed in flames.
PTSD and Trauma

Acute Stress Disorder vs. PTSD: What's the Difference?

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

They’re both responses to traumatic events, but their onset and duration differ.

A woman carries a bag of groceries as she helps a senior man as he walks down a path.
Mental Health

Want to Be Happier? Do This One Thing Everyday

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

Experts say the number one way to feel better is easy and costs nothing.

A woman carries a bag of groceries as she helps a senior man as he walks down a path.
Mental Health

Want to Be Happier? Do This One Thing Everyday

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

Experts say the number one way to feel better is easy and costs nothing.

A distressed same sex couple sit on a couch talking to a therapist during couples therapy
Relationships

Could Couples Therapy Repair Your Relationship?

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

All relationships can benefit from periodic tune ups. Here’s how this form of short-term therapy can bring back that loving feeling.

A distressed same sex couple sit on a couch talking to a therapist during couples therapy
Relationships

Could Couples Therapy Repair Your Relationship?

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

All relationships can benefit from periodic tune ups. Here’s how this form of short-term therapy can bring back that loving feeling.

Cropped view of a distracted man holding a cell phone while sitting in bed with his wife laying on the bed in the background.
ADHD

What ADHD Can Do to Your Marriage

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

ADHD can be tough on relationships. If you're wondering how to cope with the chaos in your life, read this advice.

Cropped view of a distracted man holding a cell phone while sitting in bed with his wife laying on the bed in the background.
ADHD

What ADHD Can Do to Your Marriage

Medically Reviewed: Marisa McMillian Tomasic, Ph.D.

ADHD can be tough on relationships. If you're wondering how to cope with the chaos in your life, read this advice.