(she/her)
Hello, my name is Melissa Fuchs. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New York state. I'm someone who finds purpose in supporting others through moments that matter. Professional experiences working with hospice, children in residential care, and adolescents in high school settings have developed my passion and interest in working with people going through life transitions and helping them make sense of how their world has changed. Here are examples of some life transitions I have experience working with: helping individuals and their loved ones prepare for the death/dying process, grief/bereavement work with adults, children, and teens after a death has occurred, trauma work primarily with teens, and assisting teens with exploring their sense of identity.
During our first session, we will start getting to know each other and explore what is bringing you to therapy. We will complete our initial intake, discuss a safety plan, and explore your goals. I want to hear what you are hoping to get out of treatment. We will talk about the challenges you are facing, as well as your strengths. I want to see you as a complete person, so I can help you see yourself that way. Let's explore your priorities and identify what treatment approach will be the best fit for you. Then let's make a plan, so you know at least one step you can take to get started right away.
I value balance and I don't take myself too seriously. I'm good at being calm when you need me to be and finding natural opportunities for laughter when you need a break from the heavy emotions. I'm also open to learning, as well as to teaching. While we address your symptoms, let's also look at your differences and find their potential. Do you need to develop new tools to cope, can we adapt existing tools, or do you need to adjust your environment to fit you better? Let's ask those questions together. When we are finished, I want you to walk away feeling more capable of responding to life's challenges. My goal as a therapist is to help you feel empowered and to outgrow needing me.
I best serve clients who feel "stuck" and are ready for a change. If you have encountered a recent life transition, are ready to face something from your past that you were previously avoiding, or are asking that age-old question of who am I and why does my life matter, I am here for you. I want to help you develop healthy ways of looking at yourself and the world so you can get to or return to a life that is meaningful for you.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
CPT is a trauma treatment focused on developing healthier thought patterns to cure or significantly reduce trauma symptoms. I completed CPT training in September 2022. I have primarily utilized this approach working with adolescents and young adults. I am open to expanding the populations I serve with this approach. I incorporate the CPT Coach app to make worksheets and supplemental reading available to my clients in-between sessions.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I completed DBT training in February 2023. I incorporate the DBT approach into my practice to assist clients with developing coping, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and communication skills.
Trauma Informed Care
Most of my professional career has involved work with populations at the end of life or populations who have experienced trauma. I utilize a trauma-informed approach and psychoeducation to normalize the experiences of my clients and assist them with developing a sense of compassion for themselves, no matter where they are in their healing journey.
Grief Therapy
I have experience working with hospice for about 4 years. I engaged in conversations with individuals and families about sensitive topics including: terminal illness, quality of life, end of life, advanced directives, funeral arrangements, and bereavement. I started out working in hospice with the mindset that I would help people find peace at the end of life. As I gained experience, I learned that my role is to be a companion. Whether or not someone finds peace at the end of life is up to them, not me. I can offer support by being someone who listens, who shows up in moments that matter, who helps you have the difficult conversations, and supports you in finding your own meaning for your experiences.
Strength-Based
I often see client's get caught in their own heads, feeling like they are the problem. Sometimes they forget that there is anything they like about themselves. Helping my client's explore their strengths and interests can help increase their general sense of happiness with their lives. I also find that identifying strengths helps my clients realize they are capable of creating change and healing in their own lives.