“Helping people discover their authenticity and sense of purpose amongst life’s challenges is very rewarding for me. I have taken different paths in my career such as working in outpatient, residential and inpatient settings, whether that be in the role of a therapist or a psychiatric nurse. This has helped me further embrace the twists and turns that we all learn to adapt to in life. I work to encourage a sense of personal growth, inner peace, humor, and self-acceptance while providing a safe and nurturing environment to process life’s stressors. The privilege to walk alongside my clients as they navigate difficult situations and celebrate successes continues to fuel my passion for supporting others.”
Melissa believes in providing a safe and flexible environment that is welcoming for all. Each therapy session is tailored to a client’s current needs while also understanding recurrent stressors and themes that can also be addressed to achieve a client’s therapeutic goals. Melissa takes a collaborative approach that encompasses encouragement, listening, validation, humor, and problem-solving. You can expect a warm, non-judgmental environment to safely explore emotions while gaining insight to face stressors.
Melissa is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, emotion-focused therapy, as well as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) concepts. She takes an integrative approach that focuses on a client’s strengths and what they value in their life, while also understanding how relationships, self-concept, and past experiences can affect overall mood. She focuses on helping clients identify their goals and creates a comprehensive treatment plan to encourage successful therapeutic outcomes.
Melissa has provided mental health services with Pine Rest since 2018. She currently works as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) for the Telehealth Clinic. Melissa has also worked as a registered nurse (RN-BSN) with Pine Rest’s inpatient hospital. She gained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Dakota and her Master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Melissa was able to obtain her Bachelor of Nursing (RN-BSN) from the University of Sioux Falls as well. She has worked with teens and adults struggling with mental health concerns as well as medical complexities.
