“Ever since my first counseling session twenty years ago as a college student, I’ve understood and appreciated what a privilege it is to be a counselor. As a counselor, I get the opportunity everyday to witness courage, emotional strength, resiliency, creativity, humor, kindness, forgiveness and compassion. It’s easy to forget a common misperception that the counseling office is a dreary place until someone asks, ‘Don’t you get depressed yourself, listening to people’s problems all day?’ I think I surprise people with my response. Far from depression, counseling is inspiring. As I see people struggle with the change process and achieve new growth, it reaffirms my belief in the ability to change. With the ability to change ourselves, to grow past our family-of-origin models or previous patterns of responding we’re empowered to cope with or overcome whatever life puts in our path. I love being a counselor. I wouldn’t choose to do anything else.”
Melissa is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist. She is married with three children. She enjoys running, reading, hiking, kayaking and tennis. Melissa has a BA in Psychology from the University of Colorado and a MS, Child and Family Studies, Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northern Illinois University. She has been practicing therapist for 22 years.
Types of Services Offered
Orientation: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness informed Cognitive Therapy, Positive Psychology, Family Systems
Modalities: Individual, Couples, Families
Specialties: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, blended family issues, depression, pre-adolescent and adolescent issues, parenting and step-parenting, divorce, grief and loss, ADHD, premarital counseling, relaxation and mindfulness training, life coaching
Current Aspiration: To deepen my understanding of mindfulness practices and positive psychology to assist in the pursuit of health and healing and to continue to support remarried or partnered couples in overcoming common obstacles in blended families.