Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. I received my Master's Degree more than 20 years ago and have been helping women improve their mental health ever since. Are you the one who helps everyone else but feel like you’re falling apart inside? Have you gotten to a point in your life where you’re feeling like life isn’t as good as it should be? Is your romantic relationship ending and you’re kind of glad but scared? Do you worry a lot? I love working with women who want to overcome anxiety, depression, grief or trauma. I help clients become the best version of themselves. I help women who find themselves taking care of others but not themselves and want to change. I help them to learn when to say no and how to heal. I help people who have lost someone dear and want to navigate the journey through grief. I am well versed in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems (parts) and ACT for anxiety and depression. I am an empath. I’m nurturing and extremely compassionate. For those whose parents were less than they needed, I model unconditional love and support. I will support you unconditionally while helping you become aware of your issues and where change can help you.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Having worked with individual women for the past 20 years, I've developed a tried-and-true playbook for helping you (a) identify the root cause of your challenges, (b) create a tailored plan that leads to measurable progress, and (c) achieve your dreams. I am warm and supportive, helping you realize the unique and wonderful things about you while challenging thoughts, actions, and emotions. This helps you work through your issues.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I love working with adult women. My clients are eager to improve but don't yet have the tools needed to make this goal a reality. They often feel stuck, overwhelmed, and anxious about their lives and careers.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I provide individual women with collaborative telehealth counseling and coaching. I will help you realize your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. You'll learn how to change thoughts and behaviors to improve your mood. You'll gain motivation to change the things that are keeping you from your best life.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I will help you change from acting on emotions to basing your behavior on a combination of logic and emotions. You will learn how to change your relationship with thoughts and feelings using mindfulness and acceptance-based techniques.
Christian Counseling
For many, our faith is critically important. We can only consider change within the framework of our faith-based morals and value. I will use Biblical principles and passages, along with evidence=based techniques, to help you heal.
Compassion Focused
For my clients, compassion and empathy are at least as important as my knowledge of therapeutic methods. Your self-esteem and confidence will grow as you integrate my level of regard for you.
1 rating with written reviews
March 4, 2025
Melissa is THE BEST! I feel like I’m talking with someone who genuinely cares about me and my life trajectory. She doesn’t hesitate to say “There are other ways to accomplish XYZ with your adult children - try this”. It’s such a great feeling to leave each session with a game plan.