I’m a licensed clinical social worker with over 26 years of experience helping children and families navigate emotional and behavioral challenges while building stronger, healthier relationships. I provide a supportive, judgment-free space where clients feel heard and understood. My approach focuses on practical, solution-focused strategies that help families improve communication, manage stress, and create meaningful, lasting change in their daily lives.
During your first session, you can expect a relaxed, supportive conversation where we begin getting to know each other. I’ll ask questions to better understand what brought you to therapy, your current concerns, and what you would like to see improve. If you are coming in as a parent or family, we will also explore what’s been happening at home, your child’s behaviors or emotional needs, and how family dynamics may be impacting the situation. My goal is to understand the full picture without judgment. We will start identifying patterns, strengths, and areas of concern, and begin discussing practical strategies you can start using right away. You’ll have space to ask questions, share your goals, and talk about what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. By the end of the session, you can expect to feel heard, have a clearer understanding of next steps, and leave with an initial plan for moving forward.
What stands out about my therapeutic approach is my ability to understand and support the dynamics within families, especially when challenges involve children and parenting. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where both parents and children feel heard, respected, and supported. With over 26 years of experience working with children and families, I bring a deep understanding of behavior, emotional needs, and family systems. I help parents make sense of what may be driving their child’s behavior while also strengthening communication, consistency, and connection within the home. My approach is strengths-based and solution-focused, incorporating elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help families develop practical tools they can use in everyday life. I focus on helping families move from frustration and confusion to clarity, confidence, and more peaceful interactions. Families often share that they leave sessions with a better understanding of each other, along with clear strategies that lead to real, lasting improvements at home.
I am best positioned to work with women who are navigating life transitions, stress, relationship challenges, and parenting concerns. I especially enjoy supporting women who may feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or unsure of how to move forward, and are ready to gain clarity, confidence, and a stronger sense of balance in their lives. I also work closely with mothers who are seeking support around their children’s emotional or behavioral needs, as well as improving communication and connection within the family. Many of my clients are motivated for change but may feel stuck or unsure where to start, and are looking for practical tools and guidance they can apply in their daily lives. My goal is to provide a supportive, judgment-free space where women feel heard, empowered, and equipped to create meaningful, lasting change.
Motivational Interviewing
I use motivational interviewing as a collaborative, client-centered approach that helps individuals and families explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without pressure or judgment. My role is to guide conversations in a way that helps clients identify their own motivations for change, rather than feeling told what to do. With over 26 years of experience working with children and families, I’ve found motivational interviewing especially effective in supporting parents and adolescents who may feel resistant, overwhelmed, or unsure about change. I use reflective listening, open-ended questions, and affirmations to build trust and help clients move from uncertainty to increased confidence and readiness to make positive changes. This approach allows clients to feel empowered, heard, and actively involved in their own growth, which often leads to more meaningful and lasting outcomes.
Strength-Based
I use a strengths-based approach to help clients recognize and build on what is already working in their lives, rather than focusing solely on problems. I believe every individual and family has strengths, resilience, and the capacity for growth, even during difficult times. With over 26 years of experience working with children and families, I’ve developed the ability to identify patterns of strength, coping, and support that clients may not immediately see in themselves. I help families shift their perspective from frustration and self-doubt to confidence and empowerment, while also developing practical strategies to address challenges. This approach is especially effective with parents and children, as it reinforces positive behaviors, improves communication, and helps create a more supportive and connected family environment. Clients often leave feeling more hopeful, capable, and equipped to move forward.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a practical, goal-oriented approach to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I work collaboratively with clients to identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more balanced, realistic ways of thinking that support healthier behaviors and emotional responses. My approach to CBT is straightforward and solution-focused, with an emphasis on building skills that clients can use outside of sessions. Clients often appreciate having clear strategies and tools that lead to meaningful, lasting change.
4 ratings with written reviews
May 20, 2025
I can’t say enough positive things about my experience with Melissa. From our very first session, I felt heard, supported, and genuinely understood. She created a safe and welcoming space. Her insight, empathy, and gentle guidance helped me navigate my challenges with clarity and confidence. I’ve grown so much thanks to her expertise and care. I highly recommend Melissa to anyone looking for a compassionate and skilled therapist.
May 1, 2025
She is honestly really great! She's really helped me talk myself through my anxieties and also with my self-esteem issues. I look forward to talking to her during our sessions!
March 6, 2025
It was really good session. I think she was really professional and I am looking forward to beginning my mental health journey with her help and advice.