Melanie Sentz
Hello! I am Melanie and I have dreamed of helping other people live better lives since I was a little girl. I grew up in Baltimore City in a family that valued kindness, inclusion, and community service. I was the first person in my family to graduate from college, where I studied psychology and sociology.
I have worked in schools, domestic violence programs, hospitals, government agencies, residential facilities, outpatient clinics, and within the homes of my clients.
Twenty years ago, I started my first job in this field as a Residential Caseworker in a group home. I then went on to obtain a Master's in Social Work, after which I worked in a variety of settings to hone my skills as a social worker and therapist. I have worked in schools, domestic violence programs, hospitals, government agencies, residential facilities, outpatient clinics, and within the homes of my clients. These variegated experiences have allowed me to develop a skill set to effectively treat people of all ages and backgrounds who are navigating a wide range of stressors and problems. I am prepared to help you with any aspect of your life that has caused anxiety, depression, grief, stress, and unhealthy coping patterns (such as addiction, self-harm, self-isolation, and co-dependency with others). My clients tell me that I am warm, supportive, insightful, and- most importantly- genuine- in my care and support of them.
First session
Our first session will focus on me learning about what you have experienced in your life, how your childhood has shaped you, and why you decided to engage in therapy. This includes exploring what has been bothering you, which aspects of your life cause sadness, anxiety, or emptiness, and how you would like your life to change in order to feel more satisfied, happy, and fulfilled. We will work together to identify your main concerns, outline your goals for treatment, and discuss how we can measure your progress in getting what you want out of your treatment.
Strengths
I know first-hand how much stress, anxiety, and depression can sap the joy out of life and rob you of your motivation to get through each day, to truly connect with those who are important to you, and to meet the goals that are important to you. I have wanted to do this for a living as long as I can remember, and my approach to treatment reflects that level of dedication. I know that it is a privilege to play this important role in your life and this knowledge colors every aspect of my approach with clients. When I am working with you, you are my number one priority and I give everything I have to help you get the most out of your treatment so that you can live a life of joy, peace, and balance.
Ideal clients
I truly feel that I have the mind frame, experience, and tools to help anyone, no matter what you are dealing with or how you operate in your life. However, I do specialize in working with people who have experienced trauma, clients struggling with addiction, people adjusting to chronic medical conditions, and the LGBTQ+ community. If you feel stuck, feel like you are just going through the motions, and are not sure how to build the life that you want, I can help you sort through your feelings, identify your goals, and start to outline the steps you need to take to live the life that you want to live.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have extensive experience with helping clients learn how to monitor their thoughts, argue against/ question those that are unhelpful, and restructure their thinking to decrease anxiety, depression, and stress and to build upon their ability to form positive self-talk.
Motivational Interviewing
I first learned about Motivational Interviewing almost 20 years ago and have been using this therapeutic approach since then. I have also both attended and facilitated extensive training in this method of treatment.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I can help clients to clarify and live in accordance with their values by assisting them in delving into what drives their behaviors, how they make meaning in their lives, and which aspects of their existence provide a sense of fulfillment and peace. This method also helps clients to recognize and remember that their emotions are but one aspect of their existence and do not change the core of who they are as people.
Existential
I am very well-versed in Existential approaches that support clients in clarifying how they view their own existence, how they can add meaning and depth to their experiences, and tactics that they can use to cope with and overcome anxiety and dread related to death.
Narrative
I am an expert in treating trauma, the development and maintenance of core beliefs that do not serve us, and the stories that we tell ourselves that keep us in a state of pain, struggle, or paralysis. I use Narrative approaches to help you re-write your story, restructure how you view yourself and your experiences, and draw power and wisdom from painful experiences that you have had.
Location
Virtual sessions