I am a compassionate, client-centered therapist with over 14 years of experience in mental health. I specialize in helping individuals who are struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and substance abuse. My focus is on providing tailored therapy that helps you manage your emotions, build healthier coping strategies, and address personal barriers to emotional stability and growth. I use evidence-based therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to guide you toward lasting change. Whether you’re struggling with intense emotions, negative thought patterns, or destructive behaviors, I offer a supportive, non-judgmental space to work through your challenges and achieve your goals. My goal is to help you develop a stronger sense of self-worth, emotional stability, and the tools necessary to create a balanced, fulfilling life. I understand how isolating mental health challenges can feel, and I’m committed to walking alongside you as you navigate your healing journey. Together, we will explore your strengths, work through obstacles, and develop a plan to help you move toward a hopeful, meaningful future. If you're ready to take the next step toward healing and personal growth, I invite you to reach out. Let's work together to help you create the life you deserve.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In your first session with me, you can expect a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment. I understand that starting therapy can feel intimidating, so I aim to make you feel comfortable and heard from the very beginning. Our first meeting is focused on getting to know each other, understanding your goals, and establishing the foundation for our work together. ### Building a Connection The first step is to create a trusting and collaborative relationship. I’ll take the time to listen to your story, experiences, and what brought you to therapy. We’ll discuss the challenges you’re facing and explore your unique strengths. It’s important that you feel heard and understood, so I’ll actively listen and ask questions to ensure I truly grasp your perspective. ### Understanding Your Goals We’ll spend time talking about your goals for therapy. What are you hoping to achieve? Whether it’s managing stress, improving relationships, overcoming past trauma, or simply gaining better self-understanding, your goals will be central to our work. I’ll ask questions to clarify what you want to work on and to ensure we’re aligned in our approach. These goals can evolve as we work together, and it’s important that they feel meaningful to you. ### Assessing Your Current Situation In this session, I’ll also gather some background information to better understand your current challenges and history. This could include questions about your mental health history, family dynamics, life events, and any previous treatment you’ve had. This helps me create a clearer picture of your situation and tailor our approach to suit your specific needs. ### Explanation of the Therapeutic Process I will explain the therapy process and what you can expect moving forward. We will discuss how therapy works, including the various techniques and approaches I use, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I want you to feel informed and empowered about the treatment process so you know exactly what to expect. ### Discussing Confidentiality and Boundaries We will also talk about confidentiality and the boundaries of our therapeutic relationship. It’s essential that you feel safe in therapy, so I’ll ensure you understand how your privacy is protected. We’ll also establish clear boundaries to ensure our sessions are respectful and productive. ### Beginning the Therapeutic Work While the first session is largely focused on gath

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

As a provider, I believe my greatest strengths lie in my ability to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space for clients, my adaptability to meet individual needs, and my extensive experience in mental health care. 1. Compassion and Empathy One of my greatest strengths is my ability to connect with clients in a compassionate and empathetic way. I recognize that many people come to therapy during some of their most vulnerable moments, and I take pride in making sure they feel safe and understood. I strive to be present with my clients, actively listening to their concerns, feelings, and struggles. My approach is not just about offering advice, but about genuinely understanding their experiences and providing emotional support. Creating this safe space for vulnerability allows clients to explore their emotions, face difficult issues, and feel validated in their journey. 2. Non-Judgmental Attitude Another key strength I bring to my work is my non-judgmental attitude. I believe in treating each client as an individual with unique experiences, struggles, and strengths. Regardless of the challenges a client may be facing—be it mental health, substance abuse, or emotional struggles—I always approach our work together with an open mind and heart. I strive to create an environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves without fear of judgment. This open, accepting space allows them to explore their issues without feeling shame or guilt, which is especially important for those working through deeply personal challenges such as addiction, trauma, or difficult life transitions. 3. Collaborative Approach I believe therapy is most effective when it's a collaborative process. I work closely with clients to understand their goals and values, and we jointly create a plan that aligns with their vision for change. I emphasize open communication, and I encourage clients to share their thoughts, feelings, and feedback throughout the therapy process. Whether a client wants to explore their emotions, address a specific issue, or build coping skills, I take a flexible approach that allows for adjustments along the way. My goal is to create a partnership in which the client feels empowered and in control of their treatment. 4. Adaptability and Flexibility A key strength I bring is my adaptability to different clients and situations. Every individual is different, and I recognize that what works for one person might not work for another. I tailor my therapeut

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I am best positioned to serve individuals struggling with mental health challenges such as depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and substance abuse. These conditions can have a profound impact on one’s emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. My ideal clients are those seeking effective, compassionate support to help them navigate their struggles, whether they are experiencing immediate distress or working toward long-term recovery and personal growth. Many of the clients I work with face complex emotions and behaviors that can feel overwhelming and difficult to manage. These challenges often make it hard to find stability, leading to feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and a lack of control over one’s life. Whether someone is dealing with mood swings from bipolar disorder, emotional dysregulation and interpersonal issues from BPD, or battling cravings and compulsions due to substance abuse, I am committed to providing understanding and support to facilitate meaningful change. What sets my practice apart is my client-centered approach. I believe that every person is unique and that the path to healing is deeply personal. I provide tailored therapy that addresses each client’s individual needs, goals, and values. I don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, I work collaboratively with each client to develop a treatment plan that reflects their strengths and challenges. My goal is to empower clients by helping them identify their intrinsic motivations for change, which can be incredibly powerful in the healing process. I integrate several therapeutic methods to address specific aspects of mental health. These methods include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Each of these modalities has been proven effective for treating a wide range of mental health concerns, and I find that combining these approaches works well for individuals struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, BPD, and substance abuse. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) DBT is particularly effective for individuals with BPD and those who struggle with emotional dysregulation. DBT helps individuals manage intense emotions, build healthier relationships, and improve their ability to tolerate distressing situations. The therapy focuses on balancing acceptance and change, which is beneficial for those who feel stuck in emotional instability or destructive b

About Melissa Dotson