(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi, I’m Melissa, and I believe that meaningful healing happens when you feel truly seen, safe, and connected in the therapeutic relationship. One of the most important factors in creating lasting change is the relationship between client and therapist, and I strive to provide a space that feels genuine, supportive, grounded, and free of judgment. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing complex PTSD (C-PTSD), anxiety, depression, chronic stress, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions. My approach is holistic and trauma-informed, integrating both mind and body in the healing process. I work somatically, helping clients understand how emotions, trauma, and stress are held within the nervous system and body, not just the mind. Together, we focus on building awareness, regulation, resilience, and deeper self-understanding to support meaningful and long-lasting change. As a Certified Yoga Instructor since 2014, I bring an understanding of mindfulness, breathwork, nervous system regulation, and body awareness into my therapeutic work when appropriate. I deeply believe that healing is not about “fixing” yourself, but about reconnecting with yourself with compassion and curiosity.
Clients often ask what to expect during the first session. Our initial session is a space for us to get to know one another and begin building a foundation of trust and safety. We will talk about what brings you to therapy, the challenges you may be facing, your goals, and any questions or concerns you have about the process. There is no pressure to share everything all at once. I move at a pace that feels comfortable and supportive for you, recognizing that healing begins with feeling emotionally safe and understood.
My strengths as a therapist include building strong, trusting relationships with my clients and creating a safe, supportive space for growth. I prioritize the client–therapist relationship as the foundation of meaningful change. I’m also flexible in my approach, tailoring sessions to meet each client’s unique needs, pace, and goals.
My ideal client is someone who is committed to the therapeutic process, willing to be hands-on in their personal growth, and open to exploring new ways of thinking, being, and doing. They are motivated to actively engage both in and outside of sessions; value self-reflection and skill-building; and are ready to challenge patterns to create meaningful, lasting change in their lives.
Top specialties
Depression
Other specialties
Anxiety
I identify as
White
Woman
New Jersey
Amerihealth Administrators
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilizes CBT to help clients identify and challenge maladaptive thought patterns impacting emotions and behaviors. Treatment includes cognitive restructuring, behavioral interventions, and skill-building to improve coping and functioning. Emphasis is placed on skill application outside of sessions and relapse prevention.
Compassion Focused
This is on teaching clients how to respond to themselves with kindness, understanding, and emotional regulation, rather than harsh judgment. Interventions often include mindfulness, compassionate imagery, and skills to strengthen a sense of safety and self-soothing.
Eclectic
I focus on tailoring interventions to best support the client’s goals, symptoms, and preferences rather than using a single fixed approach. Treatment may integrate modalities such as CBT, DBT, ERP, somatic-based interventions, and humanistic approaches to provide individualized, comprehensive care.