Melanie Kautzman
Hi, I'm Melanie. I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with supervisory designation (LPCC-S), and I've been helping clients for more than 20 years. My style is warm, collaborative, and practical, with a dash of humor. I believe counseling works best when it feels like a real conversation, and a little laughter along the way can make the hard stuff easier to talk about. You're the expert on your own life. My role is to help you make sense of what's happening, recognize your strengths, and find practical steps that actually fit your day-to-day. I especially enjoy working with people navigating life transitions, anxiety, and stress. Maybe you're facing a big change, feeling overwhelmed, or just not quite like yourself lately. You don't need to have it all figured out before reaching out. Telehealth sessions let us meet from wherever you're most comfortable. My hope is that you leave our time together feeling heard, a little lighter, and with something useful to take with you.
First session
Our first session is mostly about getting to know each other. There's no pressure to have the "right" words or a clear plan. We'll talk about what brought you to counseling, what's been going on lately, and what you'd like to be different. I'll ask some questions, but you set the pace and decide what you're comfortable sharing. I'll also explain how I work, answer any questions you have about counseling, and go over practical details like confidentiality and scheduling. Before we wrap up, we'll talk about what feels important to focus on and what a next step might look like. Most people leave the first session feeling heard, a little more hopeful, and with a clearer sense of whether we're a good fit. That fit matters, and I'll always respect your decision about what feels right for you.
Strengths
What makes my approach different I'm just as likely to quietly hold space for you as I am to gently challenge you. Some sessions call for sitting with what's hard; others call for a nudge to look at things from a new angle. I think of my role as a reflective mirror, helping you see your situation more clearly as you untangle your unique circumstances. You set the direction for counseling, and I walk alongside you to support it. What I bring to our work A balance of compassion and honest challenge Reflection that helps you see your own patterns and strengths more clearly Respect for your pace and your goals Warmth, practicality, and a sense of humor More than 20 years of experience helping people through change
Ideal clients
I don't have one "type" of client. The people I work best with are those who want a genuine, two-way conversation, who are open to being supported and gently challenged, and who are ready to look honestly at what's going on in their lives. Whether you're facing a big transition, feeling weighed down by anxiety or stress, or just sense that something needs to shift, you're welcome here, even if you're not sure where to start.
Treatment methods
Integrative
I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to counseling. Instead, I draw on several proven approaches and blend them based on your needs. Some days that might mean exploring how your past shapes the way you respond today. Other days it might mean working on practical tools to manage anxiety or stress, or looking at the thoughts and patterns that keep you stuck. Sometimes it simply means slowing down so you can be heard. Think of it like a toolbox. Rather than using the same tool for every job, I pay attention to your situation, personality, and goals, and we use what fits best. As your needs change, our approach can change with you.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Licensed in
- OhioLicense E.2404062-SUPV