(she/her)
New to Grow
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Art Therapist in the state of Texas. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults experiencing significant life changes, and symptoms trauma, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. I have significant experience working with those struggling with identity, self-esteem, and difficulty regulating emotions. I chose to become a therapist because I understand the feeling of having nowhere to go to feel accepted and understood. It can be so challenging to face life's struggles feeling entirely alone. It's hard to ask for help. It was for me too.
Therapy with Melanie provides trauma-informed art therapy and counseling instilled in compassion and acceptance. About Therapy with Melanie Life can be heavy, and sometimes it feels like we’re holding everything together while we’re falling apart inside. Therapy with Melanie offers guidance and support as you rediscover your strength and embrace your true self. We're here to walk with you on journey, helping you reconnect with who you really are. At Therapy with Melanie, we strive to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space for clients to explore their emotions and rediscover their inner resilience. With a focus on empowerment and self-compassion, we will help you gain confidence in your ability to navigate strong emotions and difficult experiences.
Utilizing a holistic, client-centered approach, together, we will help you develop the tools necessary for your healing. Therapy with Melanie strives to help you learn to accept and manage your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and develop a healthier sense of self that honors your values and worth. You will begin to discover your most authentic self and love the person you have always been and have yet to become. Art therapy utilizes various different visual art materials such as drawing, painting, clay work, collage, mixed media, photography, crafting, and more. Previous knowledge or experience in art-making is not needed. The therapeutic space is a supportive and non-judgmental zone for you to feel comfortable creating freely. Art therapy sessions are structured based upon individual goals and needs. There will be plenty of time for both art making and discussion. The artwork created in sessions will never be graded or viewed based on professional quality, rather seen as a lens for self-reflection, discovery, and growth. The information we gather from your artwork will be used to help reach your therapy goals and gain self-awareness. Trauma Art therapy can help you process and understand suppressed emotions related to past or recent traumas by providing a safe space for expression and healing from painful memories. You will learn to cope with triggers related to your trauma, reduce anxiety and alleviate PTSD symptoms interfering with your day to day life. Anxiety Art therapy can help to alleviate anxiety by calming the nervous system, and allowing for the creative process to flow. Creativity and art making is proven to provide emotional relief through encouragement of expression and improvement of reality orientation and mindfulness. Materials that relieve anxiety and worry can be utilized for your individual needs to help you feel more comfortable with the therapeutic process, and learn to cope with anxiety in your every day life. Self-Discovery Art therapy and the creative process will help you to dig deep into your mind and soul to better understand yourself and your emotions. Art can be a powerful tool for processing the past, present, and future, and encouraging exploration of your self and your internal experience. Together we will help you become your most authentic self and work towards living your best life.
I work best with adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, emotional regulation difficulties, and major life transitions. I provide a supportive, collaborative space where clients can explore their experiences, build self-understanding, and develop healthier coping strategies. My practice is especially attuned to the experiences of women and is LGBTQ+ affirming, welcoming clients of all identities with compassion, respect, and inclusivity.
Other specialties
I identify as
Compassion Focused
I aim to help those who struggle with shame and self-criticism utilizing a variety of tools focused on self-awareness, self-kindness, and emotion regulation to increase the mind-body connection for deeper healing and growth.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I utilize a PCT and DBT-informed approach to integrate skills for managing intense emotions and social relationships. Together, we will help you learn to understand and accept thoughts and feelings, while practicing healthy regulation skills and compassionate self-talk.