Melissa Fulton
I'm a licensed mental health counselor with over 10 years of experience! I enjoy working with clients with religious trauma, life transitions, depression, anxiety, and grief. I aim to work with my clients to figure out their own goals, whether it's to "break out of your shell" or handle whatever life throws at you. In the past I've had the pleasure of working with men and women thought various life experiences and transitions. I've completed multiple trainings in EMDR, adoption issues, DBT, and other trauma-based treatments and work toward utilizing an integrated approach. I also enjoy working with people who have experienced religious trauma and helping others in their healing work on their own terms.
First session
My goal is to make your first session with me as "easy" as possible and that you're able to move forward in your healing work. I'll probably ask you multiple questions about various issues related to your life and mental wellbeing. However, you are more than welcome to not answer a question I ask about your life! You are in the driver's seat for your therapy session!
Strengths
My goal is that you're comfortable during our first session and that you will feel that you are able to feel supported while processing whatever brings you into my office. And also, since this comes up with many people, you are "allowed" to cuss in session whenever you feel you need to...bonus points if you've got a cup of coffee or tea in your mug while you're at it! I try to keep my approach to clients as "Chill" as possible while helping you move forward in your life.
Ideal clients
I deeply enjoy working with many types of adults. As a preacher's kid I deeply enjoy working with people who have experienced existential issues related to religious trauma. I also enjoy working with people who have experienced traumatic events or are doing their best to "move on with life" whenever they experience anxiety, depression, life transitions, long-term stress, sudden life changes, and talking through life's big decisions.
Origin story
One thing that people in my personal life know about me is that I grew up with a sibling with autism, which had a profound impact on my early years and young adulthood. As I've grown older, I've found myself connecting the experience with my clinical work. As time moved on, I found myself drawn to helping others and encouraging others. I'm also and former preacher's kid, something that also had an impact on how I see others.
Ongoing work together
I take a collaborative approach to therapy sessions and while there are clinical assessments that tell me where your depression or anxiety score is, I also will ask you what stands out since I last got to speak with you. I often will also ask how you think you're doing or whether you took one more step on your journey to wellness.
Treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I work with you to help you figure out what's best for you while moving forward in your life. One of the things I fully believe in as a therapist is that you are the expert in your own life . I believe that you are always entitled to respect from others and especially during our therapy session.
Trauma-Informed Care
I utilize trauma-informed care by helping you work through trauma-related issues on your own schedule. I'm not one of those therapists who believes in "making" you talk about or process something you are not ready for. However, I love working with people life right now while helping them understand how traumatic events and experiences impact their "now."
Strength-Based
I help you look at what you're good at to both help you build confidence while building on where you're at right now.
EMDR
I've completed 2 EMDR trainings and can incorporate EMDR-related skills into our sessions.
Psychodynamic
I help others look at their thoughts and actions and explore how the past has an impact on their daily life. Oftentimes we might not always understand how different issues both bring up the past even when we're not aware of what's going on! I utilize this approach without "fancy" jargon but in a way that helps you figure it out when/where you need to!
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- FloridaLicense MH17828