“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, I can change”. Carl Rogers. This quote directly describes my therapy practice. I have been practicing therapy since 2011 in numerous settings including community mental health, substance use disorder outpatient treatment, wilderness therapy, equine therapy, education, and substance use prevention. I have worked with many different groups and individuals focusing on a number of different symptoms. What I believe is most important is the way I provide a confidential, non-judgmental, safe space for my clients to truly be themselves and in return, have opportunities for growth. What I know to be true is the power of the therapeutic relationship and that is the BEST piece of therapy I can offer. However, for those of you that have a part that is in need of credentials and experience, I have that too.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Idaho, Michigan, and Montana. I am also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor licensed in Idaho. I have a deep passion for mental health. The modalities I have used and have come to love include DBT, CBT, MBSR, Mindfulness, TRM and CRM and pieces of many other modalities. I have been trained in compassionate inquiry and IFS which I believe are profound additions to my current skills. I love what I do.
Before earning her Master of Social Work degree, Melissa earned her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in psychology from the University of Toledo, Ohio in 2005. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from Loma Linda University, California in 2016. Her work at the bachelor level included supporting others through the managed care system in obtaining prior authorizations for services as well as home visits providing support and guidance to those that experience employment challenges due to mental health and developmental disabilities.
Melissa has worked in hospice, criminal justice, and mental health fields post Master degree. She holds therapy experience in addressing anxiety, depression, crisis, life transitions and adjustments, grief, and loss through individual, couple, family, and/or group interventions. She believes it is important to consider the whole person when providing care and support. She is passionate about offering the healing process as an avenue to foster feeling heard, understood, acknowledged, and validated. The healing process can be a change agent and can empower additional awareness. Melissa is passionate about trauma informed care, suicide risk and prevention, and advanced care planning.