"We don't have to do it all alone; we were never meant to." – Brené Brown This belief is at the heart of my work as a therapist. I am passionate about walking alongside my clients as a team, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their goals. Many people share things with me that they have never shared with anyone else, which is why I believe that trust and the therapeutic relationship are the most important foundations of therapy. I work with individuals ages 10 to 55 and have experience supporting both individuals and families. I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Attachment, Self-Regulation and Competency (ARC), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). My specialty is working with teens and young adults, as I believe this transitional period is critical for personal growth and reaching one’s full potential. Before becoming a therapist, I served as a firefighter and first responder for over a decade, including combat firefighting tours in Iraq. This background has shaped my deep commitment to resilience, healing, and supporting others through life’s most challenging moments.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In the first session, clients will find a warm, welcoming, and judgment-free space to share at their own pace. My focus is on building trust and understanding their background, strengths, and challenges. Together, we’ll identify treatment goals aligned with their needs and values, ensuring therapy is tailored to their journey. Clients can expect a collaborative, team-based approach, with guidance and support to help them feel heard, understood, and empowered to take the next steps toward healing.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My greatest strength as a therapist is meeting clients exactly where they are in their journey, whether they’re just beginning or further along in their process; either way I pride myself in the ability to walk beside them in their growth.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

My ideal client population consists of individuals who are ready to take the next steps in their journey—those who are motivated to unlearn unhelpful habits, explore their untapped potential, and believe in their ability to grow and improve. These clients are open to self-reflection and committed to making positive changes in their lives. They are driven by the belief that they can overcome challenges and are ready to take action toward becoming the best version of themselves. With a strong desire for growth, they are eager to engage in therapy as a powerful tool for transformation and lasting change.

About Melissa Whelpley