"I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being.”
- The poet Hafez of Persia
Welcome!
Do you find yourself feeling burnt out, disconnected, disheartened or alone? Do you wish that you could be seen, truly seen, for all that you are and all that you could be? Do you wish that you could let down your walls and love yourself and the people around you without fear or reservations? You can. Your journey starts here.
All services are being offered exclusively through the use of telehealth, offering you the ability to seek support from the comfort of your own space.
Who I Am
Welcome! My name is Melissa. I have been described as "calm, gentle, soft-spoken, serene, an excellent listener, non-judgmental, open, kind, thoughtful, accepting, welcoming and heartfelt." Together, we can create a safe space for you to set down your burdens, invite your emotions for a cup of tea and conversation, and begin exploring all of the possibilities and potential that life has to offer you.
Specialty Areas
Trauma Therapy and EMDR
As a trauma therapist, I am skilled at treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). early childhood and developmental trauma, relational trauma, and complex trauma (C-PTSD). I have over 10 years of experience in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. EMDR is a type of therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic memories. EMDR utilizes guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while the individual recalls distressing events, helping to reduce the emotional charge associated with those memories. The goal of EMDR is to reprocess trauma in a way that allows the person to integrate the experience and move forward with less distress. EMDR is recognized as being a highly effective approach for the treatment of PTSD and trauma.
Psychotherapy
In addition to the treatment of trauma, I am also skilled in the treatment of issues related to anxiety, emotional regulation and distress tolerance, women's issues, women's empowerment, spirituality, parent education and parent coaching. Though these are my primary specialty areas, I am experienced in treating a wide range of concerns with the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Sand Play Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and other therapeutic and creative modalities.
Virginia Board Approved Supervision
I am a board approved supervisor currently accepting new residents in counseling seeking off-site supervision. My focus as a supervisor is on providing support, guidance, and the foundational skills needed to enter the field of counseling with confidence.
Sand Play Therapy
Sand play therapy is a form of expressive therapy where individuals use miniature figures and sand to create scenes that reflect their inner world. This approach helps clients express emotions and process trauma in a safe and creative way. The process allows for healing and self-discovery by tapping into unconscious thoughts and feelings.
Internal Family Systems
I am trained as a Level 1 Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner. through the IFS Institute. IFS is form of therapy that views the mind as made up of different "parts," each with its own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. IFS aims to help individuals understand, heal, and integrate these parts. The goal of IFS is to achieve balance and self-compassion, allowing the person to feel more whole and connected within themselves.
