On a personal note, I’m an avid kayaker, mountain biker, camper, gardener, and lover of nature. I also dabble in home DIY projects. My life’s work has been in providing a warm, judgment-free, and open space where understanding builds and learning to heal begins. I am cheerful, authentic, easy to relate to, with a passion for social justice, neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+ equality, and helping clients struggling with issues related to gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and oppression.

My ongoing training and lived experience offer a depth of understanding that is unique. I recognize and honor the continued emotional anguish of sexual minorities by understanding the cultures’ experiences with trauma, long-term grief, ongoing experiences of discrimination and oppression, and the ongoing feelings of disconnection.

My treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Unconditional Positive Regard, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Client-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness Training, Self-Care and Coping, Internal Family Systems Theory, Somatic, and Trauma Therapy.

I am currently in training to become an EMDR Therapist. (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing. I’m excited to learn this evidence-based treatment for PTSD related to trauma.

Thank you for reading my bio and navigating through my DIY website!

Smiles:)

Melissa