Melissa's Background
Fascinated Compassion for Understanding
- Master’s Degree in Counseling, Oakland University, 2003
- Mental Health Specialization 2003 (psychoanalytic and psychodynamic therapies)
- Graham Health Center, University Campus 2003 (testing and assessment, personality, career counseling)
- Phoenix Interfaith Counseling, Residency Counselor 2003-2005 (DBT, CBT and Mindfulness)
- Phoenix Interfaith Counseling, Counselor and Clinical Supervisor 2006-2009
- Homeward Bound Transitional Shelter, Counselor and Clinical Supervisor 2005-2009
- Hospice of Arizona, Personal Volunteer 2007-2008
- Raised 3 children, domestic/international travel, studied holistic health, metaphysical and spiritual pursuits 2009-2017
- Spark of Divinity Coaching, LLC 2017-Present (Mediation Circles, CranioSacral Therapy, Reiki, Relationship and Life Coaching)
- Inspire Counseling and Wellness, Counselor and Clinical Supervisor 2023-Present
- Harbor Oaks Hospital, Floor, Social Work and Intake Positions 1999-2003
Primary Therapeutic Approaches
Extensive Training & Practice, You'll Be Supported
Mindfulness — A kind, compassion-based approach to increase awareness
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)— Tools to identify core beliefs; “Change the way you think to change the way you feel”
Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) — Learning and application of advanced life skills of Mindful Awareness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance and Interpersonal Effectiveness
Secondary Therapeutic Approaches
Techniques to Transform, You'll Be Understood
Psychoanalysis — bringing to awareness the interaction of conscious and unconscious elements in the mind, working with repressed fears, and understanding personality structure and defense mechanisms
Personality theory — understanding human personality, including the causes and motivation for thoughts, behaviors, and social interactions
Spiritually-Orientated Psychotherapy — a general openness to embracing it all — mindfulness, creativity, religion, psychological inquiry, and more, where there is an appreciation of a sense of the sacred and of mystery
Existential Concerns — addressing thoughts and questions about life, identity, and purpose on earth including topics such as Death, Freedom, Responsibility, Culture, Meaning, Isolation, Identity, Shared Reality, Religion and Spirituality and Personal Growth