LCSW-C, 15 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi! I'm Melissa. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. My professional background includes work with children and families, college students, and adults. I'm physically located in the state of Kentucky, practicing primarily in Maryland, Kentucky, and Indiana. I see mental health as a direction we’re all trying our best to move towards, rather than an accomplishment to check off a list. I take a holistic approach with my clients, integrating strategies to support your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. When I'm not working, I'm outside! I love to hike, run, practice yoga, play with my dogs, rollerskate with my daughter, or just enjoy a good cup of coffee.
At the time of our initial session, I will have already reviewed your intake paperwork, so I won't ask you all those same questions. I'll want to hear your story -- what's bringing you to therapy, why now, what do you hope to get out of it, and what do you like or not like? We'll discuss logistics, including confidentiality, session frequency, scheduling, and how to reach me. You can expect most sessions to last around 50-55 minutes, and we'll make sure to save some time for you to ask questions.
Listen, the world is overwhelming (I feel it, too!). I offer an inclusive, non-judmental space for individuals to focus on themselves. I love integrating concepts from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and down-to-earth humor to help my clients feel better at the end of session than they did at the start.
I am most passionate about working with vulnerable adults – those experiencing financial insecurity, systemic oppression, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and the elderly. Often mental health symptoms are a valid response to a situational stressor or life experience. I work best with individuals willing to be curious and open-minded about their inner experiences and potential steps forward. I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, grief, and trauma-related responses.
Acceptance and commitment therapy is the modality that feels the most natural to me as a person. We'll use evidence-based strategies to help you relate differently to worries, anxiety, and fear, in order to reduce your suffering and live a more values-based, fulfilling life.
Learning how to experience, tolerate, and express our emotions helps reduce conflict internally and externally. We'll investigate your emotions in a safe, mindful, and embodied way.
Mindfulness is not about "turning off" or "clearing" your mind; it's about paying attention, with curiousity and non-judment, to your present moment experiences. This can create a greater sense of clarity, peace, and contentment. We'll explore many strategies to help you feel more present and centered in your life.