Melissa brings with her a Master’s in Counseling degree from Northwestern University. She provides clinical mental health therapy for children and adults. Her areas of specialty include Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, behavioral disorders, individuals impacted by trauma, parenting, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and play therapy. Melissa assists clients in establishing a stronger sense of self-esteem and an ability to cope with life circumstances. She offers both traditional therapy and teletherapy.
Melissa has six years of professional experience in the school-based mental health field, where she implemented case management, crisis response, individual and family support, and taught classroom social skills. Her extensive experience with children, adolescents, and adults also consists of relief nursery therapeutic work with infants and toddlers, supporting children in the foster care system, suicide prevention and intervention, individual and group therapy for various matters including self-harm and peer conflict resolution. Melissa also has knowledge and experience in Special Education eligibility.
In her clinical therapy practice, Melissa incorporates elements of psychodynamic, acceptance and commitment, eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) and person-centered approaches based on the needs of the individual. She is highly trained, down-to-earth, genuinely supportive, and committed. The current pandemic situation and life’s stresses have led many people to cope in ways that end up making them feel worse (I.e. alcohol abuse, social media overuse, other forms of escapism). Therapy is a time to talk with someone confidentially, process thoughts, gain insight, heal, and make changes when ready.
Melissa is grateful to live in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys time at ocean beaches, rivers, and lakes with her family and friends. Melissa also loves to knit and crochet.
