Licensed to practice in 3 states and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Domestic Violence, Trauma and PTSD, Military/Veterans and 8 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
My name is Melissa Chovan, and I have been in private practice since 2014, first in Illinois and since 2019 in Alabama. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals facing a wide range of mental health challenges, with a particular focus on trauma-informed care and trauma treatment. My goal is to provide a supportive, compassionate, and culturally sensitive environment where clients feel safe to explore their experiences, develop healthy coping skills, and work toward meaningful healing and personal growth.
During the first session, clients can expect a comprehensive assessment designed to help identify their concerns, goals, and areas of need. Information is gathered regarding current symptoms, personal and family history, medical conditions, medications, substance use, environmental stressors, relationships, and other factors that may impact mental health and well-being. We also review important topics such as telehealth policies, confidentiality, treatment goals, expectations for therapy, and the potential use of homework or between-session activities to support progress. This initial session helps establish a foundation for developing an individualized treatment plan and a strong therapeutic relationship.
My interest in trauma treatment and recovery is both professional and personal. I have experienced trauma and narcissistic abuse in my own life and sought therapy long before many of the evidence-based tools and approaches available today were developed. Those experiences gave me firsthand insight into the challenges of healing and the impact that trauma can have on daily functioning, relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being. This personal journey has fueled my passion for helping others who are facing similar struggles. What makes my approach unique is that I not only treat trauma and the effects of abusive relationships, but I also understand many of these experiences from a lived perspective. I combine that personal understanding with professional training and evidence-based interventions to help clients build healthier coping skills, process difficult experiences, and move toward healing. In addition, my experience working within correctional settings has provided me with a broader understanding of human behavior, trauma, adversity, resilience, and the complex factors that influence people's lives and decision-making. This perspective allows me to approach clients with empathy, compassion, and a deeper appreciation for the challenges they may have faced throughout their lives.
My ideal clients are adults who are ready to move beyond surviving and begin actively working toward healing and personal growth. I am particularly passionate about working with individuals experiencing trauma, narcissistic or antagonistic abuse, anxiety, depression, chronic stress, grief, and major life transitions. I enjoy helping women who are navigating challenges related to relationships, boundaries, self-esteem, caregiving responsibilities, divorce, career changes, or finding a renewed sense of purpose. I also work with individuals who are struggling with burnout, stress, and the emotional impact of difficult life experiences. My clients do not need to have all the answers—they simply need a willingness to explore their experiences and work toward positive change. My goal is to provide a supportive, culturally sensitive environment where clients can develop healthier coping skills, heal from past wounds, build on their strengths, and create lives that align with their values and goals.
Other specialties
I identify as
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a therapeutic technique that can help individuals explore deeper emotional concerns, areas where they feel stuck, and unresolved experiences. It is often used in trauma treatment to support processing and healing. For clients who are open to trying Brainspotting, the process may help uncover and work through childhood wounds, identify recurring patterns, and gain insight into the root causes of current challenges.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective, evidence-based approach for treating depression and anxiety. CBT helps individuals improve emotional regulation, identify recurring patterns in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and understand how these patterns influence their daily lives. Through CBT, individuals learn to recognize unhelpful or distorted thought patterns, challenge their accuracy, and replace them with more balanced and realistic thoughts. This process promotes healthier coping strategies, improved problem-solving skills, and more effective responses to life's challenges.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a trauma-focused treatment that builds upon the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CPT helps individuals understand how traumatic experiences influence their thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. Through the therapeutic process, individuals learn to identify trauma-related beliefs and patterns of thinking that may be contributing to ongoing distress. CPT assists individuals in examining and challenging unhelpful beliefs about themselves, others, and the world, allowing them to develop more balanced perspectives and reduce the impact of trauma on their daily lives.
Motivational Interviewing
Motational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, goal-oriented counseling approach that is commonly used in substance use treatment. However, it can also be applied to a wide range of behavioral and lifestyle changes. MI helps individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about change, identify their own motivations and strengths, and increase their readiness to take action. Through collaboration, empathy, and guided conversation, MI empowers individuals to make meaningful changes that align with their values and personal goals.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Culturally sensitive therapy recognizes that each individual is influenced by multiple cultural identities and experiences that shape how they view themselves, others, and the world around them. Culture extends beyond race and ethnicity and may include factors such as gender, geographic region, religion, occupation, family roles, socioeconomic status, relationship status, and life experiences. For example, a Caucasian female born and raised in the Southern United States may be influenced by her racial identity, gender, regional values, religious upbringing, and community norms. Likewise, a person's profession, role as a parent, marital status, military service, or other significant life experiences can each represent distinct cultural influences. Culturally sensitive therapy seeks to understand these various aspects of a person's identity and how they impact beliefs, values, communication styles, relationships, coping strategies, and mental health concerns. By acknowledging and respecting the unique cultural experiences of each individual, therapists can provide more effective, relevant, and personalized care while fostering a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.