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Hi, I'm Melissa

I hope this page will help you determine if I might be a good fit for you. Counselors have different experiences, training, and perspectives that inform the way they work with clients and look at life. Each Counselor is unique. 

The clients I work best with and with the best outcomes are people ready to do the work it takes to heal. They understand there is value in counseling and what is offered. They may have already tried going it alone and felt something was missing. 

They appreciate my approach and seek an engaged counselor who provides feedback and asks meaningful questions. I am present, cooperative, and empathic. 

I have a collaborative style using active listening, asking questions, and providing my perspective but I avoid imposing my ideas or giving advice.

The clients who are most successful in therapy with me have some commonalities. They are ready to make a change. They are open-minded and are willing to try new things. They can form a therapeutic alliance that includes rapport, trust, and safety. They want to do the work to get to the root of the problem. They want change for themselves and the betterment of their relationships. 

My Professional Background

Social work's guiding principle is person-in-environment, which highlights the importance of understanding a person and their behavior in light of the environment in which they live. People can be heavily influenced by their environment. 

With your input, I will complete a full biopsychosocial assessment and gather information in the first two sessions. This provides me with important information about you so that I am as informed as possible about you and your life.  

I look at the whole person including body, mind, and spirit because meaningful change happens when all aspects of life are addressed. I will ask you for information regarding your sleep habits, eating, and exercise routines and we can discuss changes you are interested in making. 

We will discuss the self-care skills you currently use, and I will provide you with information you need to add to your current program to enhance your health and daily living. 

My goal is to guide you in transforming your relationship with yourself.

Another goal is to help you with relationships using tools such as boundaries, healthy communication, letting people be who they are instead of trying to change them, and connecting with and enjoying your family and friends regularly. 

As an Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Certified Therapist, I focus on helping people transform distressing memories, reactions, emotions, thoughts, and responses to change how the memory is stored in the brain and reduce or eliminate problematic symptoms.


EDUCATION

* Texas Woman's University, B.S., Legal Studies & Minor in Sociology.

*The University of Texas at Arlington, Master of Social Work (MSW,) Mental Health & Substance Abuse

*National Association of Social Work, Professional Member

*EMDR International Association, EMDR Certified Therapist





Let’s Discover How I Can Help

Start living in the moment and enjoy it. Get your free phone consultation where you can share what’s going on for you and we can explore how I can help.

Request your free phone consultation by using the button below. I’m here for you!

Let's Work Together

Most clients I see have high-functioning anxiety, people-pleasing tendencies, and perfectionism making them feel unhappy with life. The impact of perfectionism can cause depression, eating disorders, and procrastination, and it interferes with education, work, or personal relationships.

Most women I work with are high-functioning and manage families, homes, education, or a profession. The thing they sometimes lack is time for themselves. The clients I work with are looking to make changes in their relationships, career, and social lives, and are looking for personal growth. They need assistance in making that happen. 

I'm a fan of focusing on self-awareness and having the courage to change the things we can. I help my clients understand how their thoughts affect feelings, and reset to a new and positive perspective. We will work on personal goals toward a healthy lifestyle.

The therapeutic relationship is unique and different from the relationships you have with family and friends. I am unbiased and am trained to listen differently than friends or family. I do not give advice. I provide opportunities for you to think about what you want through pointed questions that help you think about things. You will be empowered to make the best choices for you! I create rapport with my clients through active listening, compassionate responding, and holding space for you. I can make people comfortable almost immediately.

Common issues we address in therapy:

Anxiety

Boundaries

People-pleasing

Perfectionism

Life Transitions

Grief/Loss

Communication

Relationships

Body Image

Work/Life Balance

Parenting

Motherhood

Reach out to me today!

Please complete the form below to schedule an appointment.
I will try my best to accommodate your request and will be in touch ASAP.

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