Melissa has been a dedicated mental health professional since the early 2000s. Over the years, she has learned that creating a space where people feel safe, heard, and understood is the foundation of true healing. With her approachable, down-to-earth demeanor, Melissa helps clients feel at ease, knowing they are in a judgment-free zone from the moment they walk through her door. Having a deep understanding of life’s challenges, including emotional and chronic pain, she recognizes how overwhelming it can be to simply function at times. While Melissa is compassionate and supportive, she is also honest and direct, providing authentic feedback to help clients uncover their personal truths. Her goal is to help you become the truest version of yourself, free from self-imposed limitations, and equipped with the skills to navigate life’s stressors with greater ease. Melissa specializes in working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and the lasting impact of childhood trauma. She believes that the way we think and cope is often shaped by our past experiences, and she is dedicated to helping clients break free from patterns that no longer serve them. Expect to explore new perspectives, tools, and coping strategies to build resilience and improve daily functioning. And don’t be surprised if she cracks a joke or two—therapy can be heavy, but Melissa believes humor can be a powerful tool in making the process more comfortable and approachable. Melissa says, “There is nothing more beautiful or empowering than watching someone fully embrace themselves—strengths, weaknesses, and all—with compassion and clarity.” She looks forward to walking alongside you on your journey, offering unwavering support and encouragement. Reach out today to schedule a session—she’s ready to be your biggest cheerleader.
In our first session, my goal is to help you feel comfortable, heard, and understood. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, go over your history at a pace that feels right for you, and begin identifying the goals you want to work toward. I’ll also explain how I approach therapy so you know what to expect from our work together. There’s no pressure to share everything right away—this is your space, and we move at a pace that feels safe and manageable. Most clients leave the first session feeling a sense of relief, hope, and a clearer sense of direction.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is being real and relatable. Clients often tell me they feel genuinely heard and deeply understood in our sessions. I create a space where you can be fully yourself—say what you really think, disagree with me, and know that you won’t be judged. While I’m compassionate and empathetic, I’ll also challenge you to take ownership of your healing so that real, lasting change can happen. My approach is grounded in a deep understanding of how trauma impacts both the mind and the nervous system. I integrate this knowledge into our work together, helping you regulate a dysregulated nervous system, reconnect to your body, and rebuild your sense of safety from the inside out. With me, you’ll learn to trust yourself again, find your voice, and build a more peaceful, empowered relationship with yourself.
I’m best positioned to serve individuals who are insightful, open to self-reflection, and ready to make meaningful changes in their lives—even if they’re not quite sure where to start. Many of the clients I work with are navigating the long-term impact of childhood trauma, anxiety, or relationship challenges, and they’re seeking clarity, healing, and healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply want to grow, I help you untangle the patterns that no longer serve you and build a stronger foundation of emotional resilience, self-trust, and peace.
I help clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. We focus on building awareness of the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—and use practical strategies to create real, lasting change.
I bring in tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and improving relationships. This is especially helpful for clients who feel overwhelmed by their emotions, struggle with impulsivity, or want to develop more balanced, grounded responses in their day-to-day life.
MI helps you uncover your own motivations, values, and reasons for wanting something different. It’s about meeting you where you are—whether you’re just starting to think about change or already working toward a goal—and helping you build momentum in a way that feels authentic and self-directed. This approach is especially effective with challenges like anxiety, substance use, behavior change, or navigating life transitions. I’ve found that when people feel truly heard and empowered, they’re more likely to move forward in meaningful, lasting ways.
I use the Gottman Method to help couples build stronger, more connected relationships based on trust, respect, and effective communication. Grounded in decades of research, this approach offers practical tools to reduce conflict, deepen intimacy, and increase emotional safety. Whether you're feeling distant, stuck in recurring arguments, or simply want to strengthen your bond, I guide couples through proven exercises that foster understanding and rebuild connection. We work together to identify unhelpful patterns, enhance friendship, and create a shared sense of meaning in the relationship. My goal is to help couples not just stay together, but truly thrive together.
At the heart of my work is a person-centered approach, which means I believe that you are the expert on your own life. My role is to create a space that is safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental—where you can show up fully and be met with empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. This approach allows us to explore your experiences at your pace, honoring your values, emotions, and lived reality. I trust in your capacity for growth and healing, and I’m here to walk alongside you as you reconnect with your inner wisdom and move toward the life you want to live.