A. Still Lens Photography

Hello! My name is Melinda (she/her).  I have worked in my own private practice since December 2017 after transitioning from working at a community mental health agency. My counseling style is calming and typically low energy.  I work from a trauma and brain-based approach and integrate different modalities and approaches to individualize and tailor counseling to best fit each individual's needs.  I most frequently use aspects of ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), play and sandtray therapy, narrative therapy, and Rogerian therapy.  I frequently use techniques influenced by somatic therapists such as Peter Levine, trauma experts such as Bessel van Der Kolk and Bruce Perry, as well as techniques influenced by Dan Siegel.  I do not do a lot of CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) type work in my practice although I do utilize some of the basic foundational pieces of the modality.  We are all different and I work to make sure my counseling methods reflect that. 

I enjoy working with all ages and my passion includes working with clients who are seeking a counselor who accepts them for who they are and may have had bad experiences in the past with counseling.  I focus most on the therapeutic relationship so much of our work together will be through our conversations together.  If you are looking for a workbook therapist- I am not for you- but I'd be happy to try to help you find one.  When you call, we can discuss your needs and my approaches and see if we are a good fit.  

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As far as who I am outside of the office: I am a queer cisgender and neurodivergent woman.  I love to read, watch Netflix, play video games (currently enjoying Divinity Original Sin 2), and play board games.  I have an awesome son and a pretty geeky IT husband. I love learning and am doing consultation with a trans clinician to increase my knowledge and appropriate work with my trans and enby clients, as well as providing kink-informed care.