About Melissa

My Therapy Approach

I provide a laid back atmosphere in order to help my clients feel comfortable and safe in their therapy sessions.  I tend to use a psychodynamic approach, which involves facilitating a deeper understanding of one’s emotions in order to help you gain greater insight into how you feel and think.  This in turn will allow you to then make healthier choices about your life.  I also like to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as it works very well with a variety of mental health issues, giving you a concrete set of skills to learn in order to make wanted improvements in your life.  I love to use humor in my sessions, as it invites a deeper connection between therapist and client in order to feel more at ease in exploring your current struggles.

Professional Experience and Education

I have a BA from the University of Connecticut in Psychology and Sociology and my MA from the University of Saint Joseph in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have extensive experience working with adolescents with severe mental health and behavioral issues.

I began my career at a group home working with adolescent girls before moving on to obtain my Master’s Degree. I completed my practicum and internship at Natchaug Hospital’s Joshua Center, working with the EDT (extended day treatment) program and PHP (partial hospital program) with children ages 5-17. I started my post-graduate career in 2013 in mobile crisis for three years at UCFS in Norwich before transferring to Rushford Meriden to work in their adolescent PHP, where I was promoted to Lead Clinician. I am also certified in the Seven Challenges program for adolescent substance abuse as a clinician and a trainer. In January 2021, I transferred into a group private practice where I worked with both teens and adults with a wide variety of issues; ranging from depression, anxiety, relationship problems, substance abuse, and family conflict.