Melissa Yates
Hi, I'm Melissa - a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker working in the Carver County area of Minnesota. My approach is generally to work on building a strong relationship with you where you can let me know if I'm not understanding correctly and I can gently call out if I see patterns that you many not see yet.
Especially if we meet in person, I want to customize your experience to you - if you need the lights dimmed, less eye contact, or want to color or work on a craft while we talk, that's all perfectly wonderful.
I focus mainly on LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent populations, and love brainstorming ways to help accommodate your brain instead of trying to make it fit in. I also enjoy working with parents of LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent young people who want to be supportive but need a space to process and find their own help. People describe my therapeutic style as warm and personable, and I strive to be curious about your lived experiences. Especially if we meet in person, I want to customize your experience to you - if you need the lights dimmed, less eye contact, or want to color or work on a craft while we talk, that's all perfectly wonderful.
First session
Most of all, I hope a new client feels heard after their first session. Intake sessions are much different than ongoing sessions, and I usually need to ask a lot of questions to get all of the information that insurance companies want before I make a diagnosis. However, I want to hear your story in your own words as much as possible and find out what goal areas might be important to you as we continue work together.
Strengths
I tend to have many styles and approaches, depending on the client in front of me that day. If you need a session where I sit back and listen, I can do that. However, I more frequently have questions or challenges that hopefully make you think about your experiences in a different way. I also use coping skills and cognitive based therapies early in our relationship, to make sure you have the skills you need, and to help build the alliance.
Ideal clients
I generally work well with clients who want to explore gender and sexuality issues and the stressors (and joys!) that LGBTQIA+ identities experience. Additionally, I work often with neurodivergent folks, mainly with autism and ADHD, to brainstorm ways to accommodate their brains more. I enjoy working with teens and adults who are ready to dive into therapy and want to see change in their lives. I also work well supporting parents of LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent youth and young people in their own individual therapy. Common goals include processing external stressors related to gender/identity, trying new ways of initiating tasks, and increasing mindfulness.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with anxiety disorders to help gently challenge thoughts and find new ways of seeing an event or experience.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy is a trauma treatment that I have training in. It is a manual-based treatment that takes about 12 sessions to complete. We spend time together learning to challenge different types of thoughts about why the trauma occurred. Cognitive Processing Therapy does not require a lot of details, but it does require that you complete homework to practice the challenging skills that you learn throughout the weeks.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I often use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy when treating clients who deal with depression symptoms. There are a lot of different skills to help you regulate your emotions and learn to tolerate hard times.
Gender-affirming therapy
When using gender-affirming therapy, I trust your trust your lived experiences. You know yourself and your gender best. I may ask reflection questions like "What would it mean if. . . " or "what would do you want most from X treatment?" We can also process stressors such as social or cultural factors impacting gender and work on communication skills or role play if you want practice discussing your gender with me before bringing the topic to people who may be less affirming.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions1107 Hazeltine Blvd, Chaska, MN 55318, Suite 476
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- MinnesotaLicense 22080