New to Grow
My name is Melody and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the State of Ohio. I have been in the field for 10 years and have a great deal of experience working with women, children, and families addressing mental health concerns and conflict. I also offer a faith based approach providing Christian counseling where I apply Biblical concepts as it relates to mental health counseling. It is a privilege to come alongside individuals and their families to support them in some of their most difficult moments. I would love to work with you or connect you to the services you need.
During your first session we will spend time exploring your day to day life such as who is in your life that is important to you, what you do for work, your history of counseling, and any concerns and difficulty you may be having. We will also discuss what brought you to counseling and what you hope to achieve during this time. The first session can be structured based on the information I need to gather or flow freely while I gather what I need during open dialogue. First sessions are very important because it sets the tone for what sessions will look like and starts the process of developing a strong therapeutic relationship.
I feel that my true concern and consideration shows during sessions. I also have the ability to remain neutral, focused on the client and conversation at hand, as well as contain my own opinions and reactions. Clients should not have to filter their thoughts and statements out of fear of judgement, or listen to their therapists opinions and life experiences. Sessions should always revolve around the client and anything a therapist does should enhance the therapeutic experience, not serve as a distraction.
I work best with women dealing with various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and post-partum depression. I prefer weekly sessions with clients in the beginning to develop rapport quickly. I also enjoy working with clients looking for a christian therapist. I am able to utilize clinical skills but incorporate biblical concepts into sessions. Working with families is also an area I like to help whether it be parenting education, dealing with family conflict and stress.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize this intervention in sessions to help client's with processing their experiences as they relate to their thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Christian Counseling
I am able to provide counseling services from a Christian perspective where we apply biblical concepts to mental health counseling.
Family Therapy
I have a great deal of experience working with families to resolves conflict, generational trauma, parenting and behavioral concerns.
Motivational Interviewing
I utilize this intervention when working with client's to identify their strengths and resources at their disposal. Utilizing this intervention allows us to improve self esteem and functioning by examining what has worked for them previously and utilizing what resources and tools they already possess instead of spending the time and energy reinventing new strategies.
Psychoeducation
I utilize this intervention to help clients with understanding why they may be experiencing the difficulties that they are. I feel knowledge is power. The more we know about something the better we can combat it. Psycho-education helps normalize issues clients may be facing and realize that while their experience is unique to them, there are others who have had similar experiences. Psycho-education also equips an individual to better implement skills daily and notice the positive effects if they know why certain interventions are necessary.