Melissa Watley
I’m Melissa Watley, MA, LPC, LAC, and the owner of Fresh Start Counseling. I’ve worked in the mental health field since 2006 and provide individual and couples counseling. My approach is trauma-informed, compassionate, and individualized, creating a judgment-free space where clients can feel understood, work through difficult experiences, and build meaningful change.
First session
Your first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and begin understanding what brought you to therapy. We’ll talk about your current concerns, your goals, and what you hope to get out of counseling. I’ll explain what you can expect from therapy and work with you to develop a plan that fits your needs. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you come, just showing up is a great place to start!
Strengths
I bring warmth, authenticity, and a nonjudgmental approach to every session. I combine compassion with practical, evidence-based tools and tailor therapy to each client’s needs, goals, experiences, and readiness for change. My goal is to help clients feel safe enough to be honest while also feeling empowered to move forward.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are adults and couples who are ready to better understand themselves, heal from past experiences, and create meaningful change in their lives and relationships. I especially enjoy working with clients navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, major life transitions, and patterns that no longer serve them. They may feel stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward and are looking for a therapist who will meet them with compassion, honesty, and practical support.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify unhelpful thought patterns and beliefs that may be contributing to anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or feeling stuck. Clients learn practical strategies to challenge these patterns and develop healthier, more balanced ways of thinking and responding.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT-informed techniques to help clients build practical skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and responding to difficult situations more effectively. We may focus on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and communication skills. These tools can help clients feel more in control of their reactions and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges.
EMDR
I use EMDR to help clients process distressing or traumatic experiences that may continue to affect how they feel, think, or respond in the present. EMDR can help reduce the emotional intensity connected to difficult memories and negative beliefs while helping clients develop a more balanced understanding of themselves and their experiences. I tailor the pace and approach to each client so they feel safe and supported throughout the process.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions616 Yale Pl, Cañon City, CO 81212