Psychotherapist She/Her
Main Areas of Focus
Relationships, ADHD/Autism/Neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+, Disability Related Issues, Family Dynamics, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Trauma
Modalities
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Experiential Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Gottman Method, Prepare/Enrich, Mindfulness-Based Approaches, Self-Compassion Work
In-Person
Virtual
Individual
Families
South Paterson Street
Wisconsin
Meet Melissa
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
– Maya Angelou
My name is Melissa (she/her), and my goal is to provide a supportive place to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life. I enjoy working with individuals ranging from age 16 and up. I believe that no matter what stage of life we are in, we can benefit from support in navigating life and its journey. Together, we will personalize your care plan and work collaboratively so you feel supported and heard. I am a neurodivergent-affirming therapist and offer mindful, humanistic, supportive, person-centered treatment that is strengths-based.
Whether you want to work through life stressors, process past trauma, discuss relationship stress, or find better coping strategies, I am here to support your goals and help you find relief from stress. The modalities I most often work in include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), experiential therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. Using these approaches, I can best develop strategies that fit your needs.
I specialize in couples work and support all couples, including LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent couples. Offering a safe place where all people can access the support they are seeking is a core value for me. I am trained in Prepare/Enrich, Gottman Method, and Attachment-Based Emotionally Focused Therapy. I am passionate about working with couples and use collaborative problem-solving to support better communication, increased intimacy, and progress toward a more loving relationship.
I previously worked in the disability field for over 20 years and have in-depth knowledge of disability services and systems. Working as a social worker in the disability field before attending graduate school prompted me to seek new ways to support people who felt overwhelmed and undersupported. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology with a Human Services emphasis from UW–Stevens Point and my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Edgewood University. I am a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT) and a Supervisor Candidate.
When I am not working, I enjoy traveling, hiking, yoga, listening to live music, and spending time with loved ones. I am passionate about the importance of mental health in my own life and strive to be mindful in both my work and my play.