Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 11 ratings

Melissa Bish

LPC, 18 years of experience

Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
Virtual
Next available on

About me

I bring 16 years of experience in counseling within the areas of mental health and drug and alcohol treatment, working primarily with teenagers and adults. Throughout my career, I have focused on helping clients identify meaningful goals, strengthen coping skills, and increase self-care. I have completed extensive professional training, including Choice Theory, Child Management, Addiction Counseling, PTSD, DSM-IV, group and individual counseling, crisis and addiction management, and Trauma-Focused CBT. In addition, I am a certified EMDR therapist, using evidence-based approaches to support healing, resilience, and lasting change.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session, we’ll focus on getting to know each other and creating a safe, supportive space for you. I’ll ask about your background, current challenges, and goals for therapy, and we’ll discuss what you hope to achieve in our work together. This is also a time to ask questions, learn about my approach, and explore which strategies—such as CBT, EMDR, or Reality Therapy—might be helpful for you. By the end of the session, we’ll have a clearer understanding of your needs and a plan for moving forward together.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I bring compassion, patience, and a collaborative approach to every session, creating a safe space where clients feel heard and supported. I am skilled at helping clients identify meaningful goals, develop practical coping strategies, and navigate challenging emotions. With extensive experience in mental health and substance use counseling, as well as training in approaches like CBT, EMDR, Reality Therapy, and Trauma-Focused CBT, I can tailor interventions to each client’s unique needs. My greatest strength is guiding clients toward lasting change and increased resilience, while empowering them to take an active role in their own growth.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal clients are teenagers and adults who are ready to make positive changes in their lives, even if they’re not quite sure where to begin. I enjoy working with individuals who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance use, as well as those who feel “stuck” and want guidance in identifying goals, building healthier coping skills, and improving self-care. I especially value working with clients who are open to exploring new perspectives and approaches in a supportive, nonjudgmental space.

Specialties

Top specialties

AnxietyDepression

Other specialties

AddictionAnger ManagementGriefSelf Esteem

I identify as

Christian

Serves ages

My treatment methods

Reality Therapy

I incorporate Reality Therapy into my work by helping clients focus on the choices they make and how those choices can bring them closer to the life they want. This approach encourages self-awareness, accountability, and practical steps toward building healthier relationships and reaching personal goals.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my work, which focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT helps clients recognize unhelpful patterns and develop practical tools to manage challenges, reduce stress, and create lasting change.

EMDR

I am a licensed therapist with specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I use EMDR to help clients process difficult experiences, reduce distress, and build healthier ways of moving forward. This approach is especially effective for trauma, anxiety, and other challenges that feel “stuck,” and I integrate it with other therapeutic methods to meet each client’s unique needs.

Location

Virtual
Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 11 ratings
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.