Melissa E. Harter

LCSW, 16 years of experience
Rated 4.8 stars out of 516 ratings
Warm
Authentic
Empowering
VirtualAvailable

Hi, I’m Melissa — neurospicy queen, AuDHD brain, recovering perfectionist, expert overthinker, and deeply devoted social justice warrior and mental health advocate. I believe we are already whole, even in the mess, and that therapy isn’t about fixing or taking parts of you away — it’s about curiosity, self-acceptance, and learning how to move through life with authenticity and self-compassion. I bring both lived experience and heart into the therapy space, especially for those who’ve spent a lifetime feeling “too much,” “not enough,” or out of place. Together, we make room for all your parts, get curious about your inner world, and figure out ways of living that actually work for you. I show up with warmth, humor, and deep care, and I love helping people reconnect with their own magic, trust themselves more fully, and create lives that feel more spacious, aligned, and truly theirs. You don’t need to be fixed — you get to be understood.

Get to know me

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

Think of our first session as a gentle landing place. This is a space to arrive just as you are — no masks, no pressure, no need to have the “right” words. We’ll spend time getting to know each other, talking about what’s been weighing on you, and getting curious about what support might feel most nourishing right now. There’s no fixing, performing, or figuring it all out on day one. Together, we’ll begin to listen to your inner world, notice what wants attention, and set intentions that feel aligned with your values, your needs, and your magic. We’ll move at a pace that honors your nervous system, with plenty of warmth, compassion, and room for humor along the way. Come as you are — that’s more than enough.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I’ve been lovingly described as a Fierce Love Warrior — someone who leads with deep compassion, empathy, and authenticity, while also telling the truth with care. I bring both lived experience and professional wisdom into the therapy space, which allows me to be deeply attuned to my clients and to truly see, hear, and understand them. I believe healing doesn’t have to be heavy all the time. Play, curiosity, and humor are powerful tools, and I weave them into our work in ways that feel natural and supportive. I show up fully — passionate, present, and deeply committed — and I care deeply about the people I have the honor of walking alongside. You don’t have to carry everything alone here.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I’m especially drawn to working with magical women and tender-hearted humans who feel deeply, process the world intensely, and have spent much of their lives striving to be “good enough.” You might live with perfectionism, chronic overthinking, obsessive looping, or a persistent sense of "not-enoughness" — even when it looks like you’re holding it all together on the outside. I love working with those who are curious about themselves and open to deeper self-exploration, particularly around attachment, neurodivergence, relationships, body image, and the complicated relationship many human's have with control, self-worth, and rest. Many of the people I work with are navigating life transitions, unlearning old patterns, and longing to feel more at home within themselves. In addition to individual therapy, I also enjoy working with emerging clinicians and associates who are seeking mentorship and clinical supervision. I offer a supportive, reflective, and growth-oriented space for therapists who want to deepen their confidence, trust their intuition, and develop a more authentic, values-aligned way of practicing. If you’re seeking a space that honors your sensitivity, your growth, and your magic — whether as a client or a clinician — you’re warmly welcome here.

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Location
Virtual
My treatment methods

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

As a mental health therapist, I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approaches to help individuals navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and clarity. Through ACT, I guide clients in cultivating mindfulness, embracing their emotions with compassion, and aligning their actions with deeply-held values. This approach empowers clients to break free from unhelpful patterns, enhance psychological flexibility, and foster a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Attachment-based

As a mental health therapist, I bring a unique blend of attachment-based using warm, holistic, and spiritually attuned approaches. I believe in creating a nurturing and empathetic space where clients can explore their emotional connections and relational patterns deeply. Drawing from attachment theory, I help individuals understand how early experiences shape current relationships and self-perception. Infused with a soulful vibe, my practice emphasizes holistic healing, mindfulness, and the importance of authentic self-expression. Together, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, fostering deeper connections and emotional well-being.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

As a mental health therapist, I see each individual as a complex system of inner parts, each with its own wisdom and role. In our sessions together, I guide clients through a journey of self-discovery and healing, helping them explore and understand these internal parts with curiosity and compassion. By fostering a safe and non-judgmental space, we unravel the layers of past experiences and beliefs that shape current challenges. Through IFS, clients learn to cultivate harmony among their internal parts, fostering self-compassion, resilience, and a deeper connection with their authentic selves. Together, we embark on a profound exploration that empowers clients to transform their inner landscape and live more fulfilling lives.

Feminist

As a mental health therapist, I integrate feminist principles into my practice, advocating for the empowerment and liberation of individuals within a supportive and inclusive environment. Drawing from feminist theories, I collaborate with clients to explore the intersectionality of their identities and experiences, recognizing the impact of social, cultural, and systemic factors on their well-being. Through compassionate dialogue and a commitment to social justice, I strive to create a space where clients can voice their truths, challenge societal norms, and reclaim their agency. Together, we work towards healing and personal growth, fostering resilience and authenticity in navigating life's challenges. My approach emphasizes collaboration, empowerment, and honoring the diverse experiences and strengths that each client brings.

Rated 4.8 stars out of 5, 16 ratings

1 rating with written reviews

May 13, 2025

Melissa is incredibly knowledgeable. Her holistic and thoughtful approach has helped me understand myself in ways I never expected. She creates such a safe and supportive space where I can be myself and not feel judged. Her guidance has helped me show up for myself with more kindness and compassion, and feel more confident in navigating life even when things feel heavy. I always leave our sessions feeling supported, empowered, and more hopeful. She has truly made a huge difference in my life!

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 16 with Melissa