Welcome! Many of us seek therapy, counseling, psychological treatment, or guidance from professionals at different junctures in our lives. Maybe a relationship isn't as fulfilling as you like, or a traumatic experience continues to haunt and stifle you from moving forward, or you are overwhelmed by sadness and facing a significant loss. Whatever your reason for seeking out a therapist, I am here to help you better understand yourself in relation to life events, your thoughts, your behaviors, societal and family factors and most importantly, here to help you decide how to move forward.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During my first session, I listen attentively and actively as you tell me what's brought you to therapy and what you want to have months after we finish working together. I ask open ended questions to really clarify what you say. My goal is to understand your experience and to acknowledge it. I assume nothing and want to learn from you and your experiences so that we can figure out a plan to help you move forward.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Some of my greatest strengths are my ability to listen and be present--to ask questions that make you think about why you behave or think the way you do. I approach everyone with curiousity and not judgement so my questions are designed to help me and you understand yourself better. My clients also appreciate my ability to validate their experiences and to highlight their strengths and ability to thrive in very difficult situations.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
My ideal client is somebody who struggles to feel heard and seen in their relationships, workplaces, homes, and in the world. I created this therapy space for clients to explore who they are, to speak freely without judgement from self and others, and to sit with difficult parts of themselves or life experiences that have shaped who they are or limited who they want to be. My ideal clients are curious, courageous, bold, and willing to put in the work to get to know themselves.
About Melody Mickens
Melody Mickens offers therapy covered by Kaiser Permanente - Medicaid and UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Virginia.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Psychodynamic
I use Psychodynamic therapy to create a relational experience so that my client and I can explore behavioral patterns that interfere with relationship satisfaction, depth, as well as self-expression.
EMDR
EMDR is more than just reprocessing. I use it to increase coping resources, the ability to tolerate and regulate distressing emotions, and to help clients engage with their bodies' response to stress, sadness, and trauma.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I love using DBT to help individuals become more aware of how they can understand and regulate their emotions. Although it is skill based, I make it practical and relatable by helping clients use it in their relatinoships with others and even in our therapeutic relationship
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT frequently to help clients understand how their thinking can influence their emotions and behaviors. CBT is excellent for anxiety and depression management and increases clients' ability to explore negative beliefs and thought distortions that create patterns that interfere with daily living and relationships.