Melissa M. Williams
LPC, 20 years of experience
New to Grow
About me
I’m Melissa M. Williams, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience helping adults heal from trauma, anxiety, grief, and stress. I provide a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can safely explore your story and begin to make sense of what feels confusing or overwhelming. Together, we’ll focus on helping you feel more grounded, confident, and empowered to move forward. My goal is to help you develop practical tools for coping and build lasting change that brings you closer to the life you want to live. I believe that healing happens through connection, understanding, and the courage to take small steps toward change.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session is about getting to know you—your story, your strengths, and what’s bringing you to therapy. We’ll go over the basics, talk through your most pressing concerns, and identify clear next steps so you leave feeling supported and with a sense of direction.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I bring a person-centered, trauma-informed approach that blends empathy with practical strategies for everyday life. Clients often appreciate my ability to listen deeply, offer clear insights, and create a space that balances warmth with honesty. My goal is to help you feel safe while making real, meaningful progress.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work best with adults who have experienced painful or ongoing challenges and feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in old patterns. My clients often come to therapy wanting to feel calmer, more confident, and more connected to themselves and others—and together, we work toward building that sense of peace and self-trust.
Specialties
Top specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Serves ages
My treatment methods
Trauma Informed Care
With 20 years of experience supporting survivors of abuse and complex trauma, I approach every session through a trauma-informed lens. This means creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered. I help clients understand how trauma impacts their body, emotions, and relationships, while offering tools to reduce anxiety, build coping skills, and strengthen a sense of safety and control.
Compassion Focused
I integrate Compassion Focused Therapy by helping clients shift from self-criticism to self-kindness. Many people struggling with grief, low self-esteem, or trauma feel weighed down by shame or negative self-beliefs. I guide them in developing inner compassion as a way to regulate emotions, calm anxiety, and foster resilience. This approach supports deep healing while encouraging confidence and self-acceptance.
Polyvagal Therapy
Polyvagal principles inform my work by helping clients recognize how their nervous system responds to stress and safety. I teach practical techniques for calming the body, such as grounding and breathwork, so clients can move from survival mode into connection and healing. This is especially helpful for those managing trauma, PTSD, and anxiety, as it allows them to regain a sense of balance and presence.