Hi there, my name is Melissa Yaeger and I am a licensed professional counselor in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and a licensed professional clinical counselor in California. Do you feel misunderstood by parents or family? Do you just want to be heard? I work with adolescents and adults who struggle in a number of areas. These include depression, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, substance abuse, personality disorders, recovery from physical/emotional abuse and the processing of grief. More importantly, I am accessible to those who simply need someone to talk to during a difficult time or if you are feeling like there is really no one else in your life who listens. My hope for any of my clients is they feel validated and heard during each and every session. I also hope to empower my clients to be able to set boundaries when needed, believe in who they are and what they can achieve and feel hopeful about their future and healing from their past.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I like to use a number of approaches when providing counseling services, but my primary approach is that of client-centered therapy. This allows my clients the room to “open up” and share at their own pace. I try to provide an empathetic and compassionate environment which aids my clients in their healing. In this way, to help others work through current and/or future challenging situations and to achieve goals which they create for themselves through the counseling relationship. I also like to incorporate some Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I feel as though my biggest area of strength is listening, I feel as though I am a great listener and at being present with clients. I also feel as though I have a knack for working with teens and allowing them to feel heard and understood.