My Approach
About Melissa
I believe that good therapy involves an authentic, empathic connection between client and clinician. You can expect me to periodically check in with you about how you feel therapy is going to ensure I'm meeting your needs.
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I believe that you are the expert in you and your experience. I will always defer to your expertise in our work together.
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You are unique, so your therapy will be uniquely tailored to you. With that said, my approach typically involves exploring how social/cultural/religious messages have shaped your ideas about yourself and the problems you face. I am also a big believer in the mind-body connection, and so I will prompt my clients to check in with themselves to develop a stronger connection to their inner experience. I also believe in neuroscience, which informs my use of EMDR and mindfulness for trauma-related disorders and my support of using medication as one part of ADHD treatment.
I am passionate about empowering others to live their best lives. Whether you are struggling with ADHD, trauma, or religious recovery, I am dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.
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Although originally from Western Washington State, I spent my college and early career years in Los Angeles. I am a proud community college transfer student, ultimately graduating from UCLA with a B.A. in Psychology. Finally, I earned an M.S. in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Northridge, where I developed the "Thriving After Mormonism" group therapy curriculum as my culminating experience.
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Since then, I have dedicated my career to serving religious trauma survivors and former cult members to heal their wounds. I established my private practice in 2023 so I could have the freedom to pursue my mission and best serve my clients.