LICSW, 19 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi, I’m Melissa, and I support young adults and women who are navigating major life transitions, identity shifts, and emotional challenges. Whether you’re stepping into adulthood, exploring your purpose, or balancing relationships, career, and self-care, therapy can help you find clarity and confidence. I create a safe, inclusive space where your story is heard, and your values and goals guide our work together.
The first therapy session is all about getting to know each other. I’ll ask some questions to better understand what’s bringing you in, what your goals are, and how I can best support you. We’ll talk about what’s going on in your life and what you hope to gain from therapy. It’s completely okay if you’re not sure where to start — I’ll help guide the conversation. You’re welcome to ask me any questions, too. My goal is to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and judgment-free. We’ll also go over some basics like: - Confidentiality and your rights as a client - Scheduling, cancellation policy, and communication preferences - My approach to therapy and what sessions usually look like By the end of the session, we’ll begin to shape a plan for working together and decide on the next steps. Some people feel relief after the first session, while others may feel a little emotionally stirred — both are totally normal. Most importantly: this is your space, and we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you.
I’ve been working as a therapist for 20 years, supporting clients through a wide range of life transitions and emotional challenges. Over time, I’ve found a strong connection working with young adults and women, particularly around issues like anxiety, identity, life transitions, stress, and self-esteem. Over the years, I have worked in hospitals, state child welfare agencies, outpatient clinics, and therapeutic schools. I also stay connected with ongoing training around [CBT, trauma-informed care, mindfulness, women’s mental health, etc.], which helps me tailor therapy to each person’s needs. I am certified in gentle reprocessing, which is a gentler form of EMDR. I am also becoming certified as a somatic trauma therapist. What’s most important to me is creating a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported — without judgment. My role isn’t to tell you what to do, but to walk alongside you as you explore, heal, and grow in a way that feels authentic to you.
I specialize in working with: - Young adults (18–30) navigating transitions like college, early career, independence, and identity - Women facing challenges related to emotional health, reproductive issues, body image, and empowerment. - Those dealing with anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, or burnout My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and affirming. I draw from approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and strengths-based therapy, tailored to your unique needs. Therapy with me is not about fixing you — it’s about helping you feel more like yourself again. I strive to allow your space to be a safe, judgment-free space to explore your thoughts and feelings. I offer practical tools to manage anxiety, self-doubt, and life's overwhelming moments. My goal is to allow support in building healthy boundaries, self-worth, and personal direction. If you feel like my approach might be the support you’ve been looking for, I’d love to connect.