Hi there I am Melissa and welcome to Mind Trek Counseling! I’m a therapist who works with all ages. If you ever felt unseen, unheard, and unloved in a room, I strive to ensure that every client—whether individual, family, or group—feels valued. I conduct my sessions with compassion, creating a judgment-free zone, whether in my office or via telehealth. No issue is too trivial or too significant, and our goal is to collaborate to make you feel loved, heard, and seen.

About my education and training background

My educational and professional background includes a Bachelor Degree of Science in both Counseling and Leadership, a Master Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and I’m currently pursuing a Ph.D in Counselor Supervision and Education. Also, I am a Registered Nurse with a Nursing Degree. Having a triple major in psychology, nursing, and leadership allows me to understand my clients from a much broader perspective. Through out my counseling journey, I have also received specialized training in various therapeutic techniques and understandings, especially the following three ones:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): ABA is a well-researched and structured therapeutic strategy that is especially effective in behavior modification, and I’m a certified ABA provider. ABA is widely recognized for its success in working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders but is also applicable to a broad range of behavioral challenges. In ABA therapy, we focus on improving specific behaviors, such as social skills, communication, reading, and adaptive learning skills, among others. The approach uses reinforcement strategies to encourage desirable behaviors and reduce unwanted ones. Each program is highly individualized, aiming to improve overall functioning and quality of life.

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a transformative therapy designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories, and I’m a certified EMDR provider by EMDRIA. Through EMDR, I help clients process these memories in a way that significantly reduces their lingering effects and allows clients to develop more adaptive coping mechanisms. This therapy involves an eight-phase approach that includes having clients recall distressing images while receiving one of several types of bilateral sensory input, including side-to-side eye movements. EMDR is particularly powerful for treating conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and other trauma-related disorders.

• Neurofeedback: Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that uses real-time displays of brain activity—most commonly electroencephalography (EEG)—to teach self-regulation of brain function. This therapy is based on the concept that by gaining insight into neural activity and learning to control it, individuals can improve their mental and emotional health. Neurofeedback has been used effectively to manage a variety of conditions, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, and sleep disorders. The process is non-invasive and can be thought of as a personal training session for the brain, where you learn to strengthen and improve your mental fitness.

How can I help?

I am passionate about understanding each person as an individual and recognize that counseling isn't a 'one size fits all' approach. Actively listening and truly understanding your story is a skill I pride myself on. I meet clients where they are, walking with them through their emotions with empathy and professionalism. Every client receives a tailored treatment plan, actively involving you in the process, and we review this plan every 90 days to ensure it meets your evolving needs.

My favorite question for a new client is: "What will life look like when you walk into my office and say, 'Life is smooth, I'm succeeding, and I no longer need counseling'?" We start with this goal in mind. Counseling isn't meant to be indefinite but to equip you with lifelong skills. I'm honored to be part of your journey and am ready to support you through your current life season.

My primary specialties include:

• ADHD and Autism: I have ample experience of working in the school counseling setting and I have provided interventions to kids with ADHD and Autism on daily basis. At the same time, I also work closely with adults who are neurodivergent in my private practice settings.

• Trauma/PTSD: I approach to Trauma/PTSD from both Mind and Body perspectives and I use EMDR to help clients heal from the past so they can live in the present.

• Eating Disorders, Body Image, or Weight Issues: My personal and professional experiences with clients facing eating, body image, and weight issues have enriched me with both firsthand and scientific insights into our complex relationships with food and our bodies. I am equipped to validate and support you at any stage of your journey toward healing from these challenges.

• Relationship, Premarital, or Marriage Issues: I love to work with couples and explore with them together on their unique pathway of finding happiness in their relationship and marriage. For me, each therapy sessions with each couple can be so different and exciting. Everyone deserves to know the secrets of a healthy relationship and I’m here to tell you them!

• Family Conflicts or Parenting: Having eight kids of my own gives me so much learning experiences on loving, observing, helping, and growing with kids and adolescents. My professional training has allowed me to work with this group in the way they can receive and understand therapy. Your kids can be different and they can surprise you with the help of therapy.

• Women’s Issues: Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, and Infertility, all of these experiences can make you feel so much unknown, uncertain, and even helpless. These are not easy for each woman at all and I’m here to help you as your peer, listener, supporter, coach, and then therapist.

• Grief: Grief happens at any time when you lose an important person or important thing, or even an important relationship. We grieve all the time and if you lost what’s significant for you, we are allow to have some time and space to grieve, and we’ll create such a space for you.

• Spirituality: Spirituality can be very private but also very universal to you. Connection is what matters and I hope I can help you find your connection with your spirituality!

Get in Touch with Mellissa