Marissa Rusnow

Surviviorship Coach | Collage Art Guru

About

 
I’m Marissa, a cancer survivor turned survivorship coach.  I support cancer survivors who feel lost or disconnected after treatment, when you’re pretending to be fine on the outside, but internally everything has shifted.

After treatment ends, many survivors find themselves in an unexpected space, no longer in crisis, but not fully feeling like themselves either. This phase can bring identity shifts, emotional processing, and a deep sense of “now what?”

My work focuses on guiding you through that transition. Blending survivorship coaching with my Phoenix Rising Collage process, I offer a supportive, structured space to process what you’ve been through, reconnect with who you are now, and begin creating a life that feels aligned.

As a cancer survivor myself, I bring both lived experience and a grounded, forward-focused approach to empower you to move from survival mode into purposeful living.


My Phoenix Rising Collage process, is a unique blend of coaching and therapeutic collage art. I guide clients to reflect, release, and creatively reimagine their next chapter. You’ll uncover your growth, honor your journey, and gain clarity on your path.

If you’re ready to reclaim your energy, embrace your resilience, and rise empowered, I’m here to guide you, one piece at a time. 

Packages

The Rise Call

 A short, supportive conversation to help you clarify what you need next and decide if working together feels like the right fit. 
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Synergy Session

 A friendly connection call to learn about each other’s work and explore whether a referral partnership or collaboration feels aligned. 
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Online-Therapeutic Collage Art Experience

 In this online experience together, we’ll use collage as a tool for expression, healing, and discovery. You’ll leave not only with a beautiful piece of art, but also with new connections, fresh perspectives, and a sense of belonging. 

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VIP 1 On 1 Therapeutic Collage Experience

 Your story. Your collage. Your breakthrough. Experience the magic of a 1:1 Real Heal Halo workshop.” 
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Testimonials

Marissa has a warm, inviting, and collaborative approach to coaching. She always came to our sessions with a positive attitude and engaging style. Marissa is naturally curious and has the ability to ask some very powerful questions that get you to think about things in a different way. She is also an excellent listener and skilled at reflecting back what you shared. Marissa is excellent at the follow-up and holding the client accountable for taking ownership of their actions. You can also tell she genuinely cared for me as a person and wanted me to achieve my goals I had set out for myself.

- Michelle

I had a great time at the Therapeutic Collage Art Workshop that Marissa, Mz Real Deal Coach hosted! My dogs mean everything to me, so being able to celebrate them and look back on the amazing memories that we have had together was so special. They make my life better and I loved being able to do something in honor of them and their selfless love! I highly recommend attending a Therapeutic Collage Art Workshop with Marissa if you’re looking to disconnect from your busy life and do something fun and relaxing.

- Cortney

The Rise Session

The Rise Call gives us a chance to connect, talk through what you're facing, and see whether my coaching approach is right for you. If it aligns, I’ll guide you through the package options that support your growth and healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is survivorship coaching?
Survivorship coaching supports you after the storm, when treatment ends, life shifts, or you’re rebuilding after a major life-changing event.
We collaborate to move you from survival mode into clarity, confidence, and purpose by addressing mindset, emotional healing, identity shifts, and next-chapter visioning.
Who is survivorship coaching for?
You’ll benefit from this work if you’re:
• Navigating life after cancer treatment
• Feeling stuck in survival mode or burnout
• Struggling with identity, purpose, or direction
• Wanting to heal emotional patterns and rebuild your confidence
• Ready to shift from “barely getting through” to thriving
Do you work with people who didn't go through cancer?
Yes.
While my heart is rooted in cancer survivorship, my work supports anyone who’s healing from a major life transition, burnout, or a season of survival mode.
Do I need to be creative or artistic to do therapeutic collage art?
Not at all!
This process is not about being “good at art.”
It’s about connecting with your inner voice, expressing emotions visually, and discovering meaning through imagery. If you can cut paper and glue it, you're good.
What is the Phoenix Rising Collage Process?
It’s my signature blend of coaching + therapeutic collage art that guides you to reflect, release, and reimagine your next chapter.
Through guided prompts and creative exploration, you’ll piece together imagery that reflects your healing, strengths, and what you’re stepping into next.
No artistic skill required, just a willingness to explore, feel, and grow.
What results can I expect?
Most clients experience:
• Feeling calmer and more grounded
• Clarity around their next steps
• Relief from emotional overwhelm
• A deeper understanding of themselves
• Confidence to move forward
• A visual piece of art that represents their healing and growth

You walk away with a renewed sense of direction and a powerful reminder of your resilience.

Let's Connect

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