Welcome! I'm Melody Dascanio and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I hold a Masters degree in Professional Counseling and I also happen to have a Bachelors of Music degree. I specialize in helping survivors of domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, and adult children of emotionally immature parents. I am certified as a Level 2 Complex Trauma Professional, a Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician, and a Personality Disorder Clinician. I am specially trained in EMDR, Hypnotherapy, Pathological Love Relationships, Personality Disorders and Narcissistic Abuse. Prior to opening my own practice, I founded the therapy department for a non-profit Domestic Violence Organization; creating practices, procedures, program assessment, staff training, and the therapeutic curriculum for survivors of domestic violence. I am a frequent guest speaker at conferences, facilitating workshops on Trauma Informed Care, Domestic Violence, and Trauma Interventions. In our work together, you are the expert of your story, and your strengths will help you overcome the obstacles ahead. My role is in helping you realize your power and supporting you through the healing journey. I'm humbled by each person that allows me to be a part of their journey and look forward to working with you! In my free time, I enjoy taking care of my cats, dogs, parrots, and horses. As an semi-professional musician I continue to enjoy playing piano, clarinet, flute, and violin. I am proud to be a bass clarinetist for the North Pittsburgh Symphonic Band and the Musician's Concert Band. I also enjoy bluegrass music and sang family's bluegrass band "Keep Off the Grass" for many years prior to our banjo player, my talented father, passing away. My friends describe me as unique, humorous and quirky; all qualities that I am proud to incorporate into the way I provide therapy.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Coming to therapy and starting a therapeutic relationship as a trauma survivor can be very scary!! A majority of relationships we experienced were toxic... so it's natural to be skeptic of new relationship. Unhealthy relationships are full of unpredictability, blame, confusion, and secrets. I strive to ensure that our time together embraces the exact opposite!! During our first meeting, we will spend time getting to know each other. I am happy to answer any questions and we will take things at a comfortable pace for you. We can discuss your personal goals and with your permission, we can complete some questionnaires about your early childhood years to discover what kind of "foundations" you experienced. You might leave with some book suggestions, some YouTube suggestions, or just some light journal prompts. Most importantly, you will leave with hope and understanding that there is nothing "wrong" with you. Most of our struggles and mental health "symptoms" are simply our body's defense mechanisms going too far. Together, we will find a way to get your body working "for you" again!! Mel Robbins once said "You are 100% not to blame for what has happened to you in your past, but you are 100% responsible for healing yourself and creating a new future". However, nobody ever said you have to do it alone. I am honored every time someone chooses me as their "partner in healing". In the words of actual clients: "Melody's knowledge and expertise is unparalleled in support, validation, trauma, and is a beacon of light in a growing field of trauma survivors and growth toward healing." "The support and expertise Melody gives people like me, domestic and narcissistic abuse survivors is like no other. She understands and validates all of my truths. She listens and offers solutions and coping skills no matter how tough it gets, with the roller coaster of healing. I can honestly say out of any therapy, I would not be where I am today without her guidance and professionalism and knowledge. It’s been paramount to my survival and well-being even when I felt like no one was listening, she always was. She makes you feel heard and understood while offering advice and guidance with every step of the way." "Melody is amazing. She is truly passionate and knowledgeable in her field. For the first time I feel understood, validated, and look to her often for solid advice and an honest ear to listen. I look forward to our sessions every week".

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

Alot of clients would likely say that my personality, visible passion for the work, and easy-to-understand analogies are among the reasons they like working with me. However, I believe that my experience, well roundedness, and in-depth understanding are the strengths I rely most as a provider. Despite narcissistic abuse and the aftermath of emotionally immature parenting being common (and becoming ever more visible), the pool of specializing therapists is low. It requires strong knowledge in the abuse cycle, pathology, personality science, human development, attachment trauma, and trauma treatment skills. This niche of therapy has become my passion and mission- not only providing direct treatment and therapy to clients, but also educating other professionals in how to more effectively treat their own clients using my own protocol I have named "HEART" (Healing Emotionally After Relationship Trauma". HEART encompasses psychoeducation, cognitive strategies, and somatic techniques to generate the best possible long term outcomes. HEART guides survivors through 4 predictable phases of therapy; Stabilization and Hope, Psychoeducation, trauma treatment/self-reparenting, and Living with Self-Love/Maintenance. The phases provide needed predictable structure while still allowing the flexibility for individual needs while we work together in resolving cognitive dissonance, trauma symptoms and positioning the survivor for a more fulfilling and enjoyable life.

About Melody Dascanio

Appointments