Hello! I am Melissa McKinney and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Georgia (my home base) and Texas. I obtained my Doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology in 2013 and have been practicing for the past 10 years. As someone with their own lived experience, I assist my clients in learning and utilizing skills to help manage their anxiety and depression in a trusting and nonjudgmental environment. Seeking counseling is a difficult thing to do and I allow my clients to have control throughout the process. From intake session and deciding on treatment goals, to ongoing sessions, I listen to my clients to determine what would be the best course of treatment and work equally in assisting them in achieving their goals.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our first session together, you can expect to spend the majority of our time discussing the reasons for your choice to begin therapy, how you have been feeling, and sharing background information regarding your past experiences. It is important that you have a good understanding of who I am as well as the process of therapy so there will be ample opportunity to ask me questions about therapy and education regarding treatment and why you may be experiencing these feelings. The first session, and often several after, will be focused on getting to know one another and building a connection and foundation of trust. We will work together to identify areas of need in order for me to know what will work best for you moving forward.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Working from a Dialectical Behavior framework, my communication style is one of Radical Genuineness and non-judgment. I am myself during sessions and working with clients, and I strive to create an atmosphere that is warm, welcoming, and accepting. This means that I often practice the skills I am teaching during sessions. I recognize that we are all humans, and although I am a therapist, I experience struggles and overwhelming emotions as well as actively practice and model healthy skills with my clients. I want clients to feel comfortable being open with me about anything, and I pride myself on listening and guiding without judgment.