Therapist for Deep Feelers, Overthinkers, and Empaths Who’ve Had Enough of “Just Pushing Through.”

​

Hi, I’m Melissa — therapist, human, and professional space-holder for people who feel everything.

I’ve been where you are: exhausted from the emotional overload, second-guessing everything, trying to “fix” yourself while the world keeps asking for more. My own experiences with depression, anxiety, trauma, and therapy didn’t just shape my empathy — they reshaped how I practice.

​

Now, I help young adults, empaths, and highly sensitive souls turn overwhelm into self-awareness, and pain into purpose — using warmth, humor, and science-backed approaches that actually work.

​

🪞 Why Therapy (with the Right Person) Works

 

Let’s start with what research keeps shouting from the rooftops:

👉 The therapeutic alliance — the genuine, trusting relationship between therapist and client — is the strongest predictor of positive outcomes in therapy.

​

Decades of studies (like those summarized by Norcross & Lambert, 2019; Wampold, 2015; Horvath et al., 2011) show that it’s not just what we do in therapy — it’s how we connect that drives real healing.

​

In other words: the bond matters as much as the method. You’re not a diagnosis or a checklist; you’re a whole human — and you deserve a therapist who treats you like one.

​

That’s why in our work together, I bring evidence-based structure and authentic humanity. You’ll get both — the science and the soul.

​

🧠 My Approach: Evidence-Based, Heart-Forward

Therapy with me is grounded in compassion-focused, trauma-informed, and research-supported modalities. I integrate:

​

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan, DBT is one of the most well-researched, effective approaches for people who experience intense emotions, relationship challenges, or harmful coping patterns.

DBT helps you learn:

• 🌀 Emotion Regulation: understanding your feelings and responding, not reacting.

• 💬 Interpersonal Effectiveness: communicating needs clearly and maintaining healthy boundaries.

• 🧘‍♀️ Distress Tolerance: handling emotional crises without resorting to self-destructive behaviors.

• 🕊️ Mindfulness: staying grounded in the present moment, not the past or future.

• ​

Research shows DBT significantly reduces self-harm, improves emotion regulation, and enhances overall well-being (Linehan et al., 2006; Neacsiu et al., 2010). But in my practice, it’s more than a skill set — it’s a way of helping clients rebuild a relationship with themselves.

 

💬 What Therapy Looks Like Here

Therapy with me isn’t about perfection or performance — it’s about realness.
We’ll use evidence-based tools, yes — but also humor, storytelling, and compassion to make the process human and sustainable.

​

Together, we’ll:

• Explore how trauma, stress, or relationships have shaped your story

• Unlearn old coping patterns that once kept you safe but no longer serve you

• Build emotional regulation skills that actually stick

• Create healthy boundaries without guilt

• Reconnect to your sense of worth, purpose, and peace

 

🌿 Who I Work With

I specialize in supporting young adults and empaths navigating:

• Anxiety, depression, and burnout

• Trauma and PTSD (past or ongoing)

• Relationship struggles, breakups, or attachment wounds

• Low self-esteem, body image, and self-criticism

• Emotional dysregulation and impulsivity

• Life transitions and “identity overhauls”

 

You don’t have to have it all figured out — you just have to be willing to start.

 

My Philosophy

Therapy isn’t about being “fixed.” It’s about being seen, understood, and given space to grow.

I believe in the power of genuine connection, self-compassion, and small steps that lead to big change. You already carry the capacity for healing — therapy just helps you access it.

​

 Credentials & Background

• Master of Social Work (MSW) – Wayne State University

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LMSW-C) – Michigan

• 10+ years of experience in evidence-based therapy

• Specialized Training: DBT, CBT, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Humanistic and Solution-Focused approaches

• ​

As a Christian therapist, I’m also faith-inclusive — welcoming clients of all beliefs, backgrounds, genders, and identities. Healing is for everyone.

​

If You’re Ready

If you’ve been feeling everything, all at once — you’re not broken, you’re human.
And with the right support, you can learn how to live deeply without drowning in the depth.

Let’s make therapy the space where you finally exhale. 💗

​

References (for transparency):

• Horvath, A. O., Del Re, A. C., Flückiger, C., & Symonds, D. (2011). Alliance in individual psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, 48(1), 9–16.

• Norcross, J. C., & Lambert, M. J. (2019). Psychotherapy relationships that work: Volume 1. Oxford University Press.

• Wampold, B. E. (2015). How important are the common factors in psychotherapy? An update.

• Linehan, M. M., et al. (2006). Two-year randomized controlled trial and follow-up of DBT vs. treatment by experts for borderline personality disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry.

• Neacsiu, A. D., et al. (2010). Dialectical behavior therapy skills use as a mediator and outcome of treatment for borderline personality disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy.