- Mindfulness practices
- CBT strategies
- Emotion regulation skills
About Melissa
Her background includes work across many life stages and a range of concerns, including chronic pain, illness, and end-of-life counseling. She uses practical methods drawn from cognitive behavioral approaches to help change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. Melissa also draws on mindfulness practices to help people notice thoughts and bodily sensations without judgment.
Melissa uses skills-based strategies from dialectical behavior therapy to teach emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. Attachment-based ideas inform how she looks at patterns in relationships and communication problems. She integrates these approaches to match what each person needs.
Sessions are conversational and goal-focused. People typically work on clear, achievable steps like coping skills, sleep routines, or ways to manage cravings and mood shifts. She also supports those facing grief, guilt, or family of origin issues with steady guidance.
Outside of practice she enjoys writing, travel, and a daily mindfulness routine. Her combined experience aims to help people build routines and tools that fit daily life and long-term goals.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
18+ years
Credentials
Missouri, Washington
Languages
English
How Melissa's approaches work well online
Melissa uses client-centered care and cognitive behavioral therapy to help people change unhelpful thinking and build workable routines. Client-centered work means conversations focus on each person's goals and priorities, with the therapist following the person's lead. Cognitive behavioral techniques break problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so practical steps can be tried between sessions.She also uses mindfulness practices to help people notice thoughts and bodily sensations without judgment. Mindfulness can reduce reactivity and support better sleep and stress management. These approaches are often paired with skills from dialectical behavior therapy to teach emotional regulation and clearer communication.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapy process. The therapist will collaborate with the person to choose methods that fit their needs, goals, and day-to-day life. That might mean starting with skills training, trying brief cognitive exercises, or developing a simple mindfulness routine together.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, allow short check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Many people find virtual sessions helpful for maintaining consistency and practicing skills in real life between meetings.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Melissa commonly address?
She helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and addictions, plus grief, sleep problems, anger, bipolar symptoms, and ADHD-related challenges.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is practical and conversational, combining mindfulness, cognitive behavioral techniques, and skills training to teach coping and emotion regulation.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 18 years of therapy experience and a total of 21 years working in mental health roles.
What credentials and region are listed?
Melissa holds LPC and LMHC credentials and practices in Missouri, with licensure noted for MO LPC and WA LMHC.
Which languages are supported and can international clients work together?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats here, so confirm current session options before booking to know whether phone or video sessions are offered.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.