Welcome to my page.
I want to get to know you better but in order for that to happen, you need to get to know who I am. My name is Melissa; I graduated with my undergraduate degree in Criminology. I obtained this degree because of my interest in helping a population that is under-served. After graduation, I obtained a job in a residential substance abuse facility that served women who were convicted of felonies. This experience opened my eyes more into the disparities of the criminal justice system, people of color, women, and those of lower socio-economic experiences.
After working with these women, I craved experience into other populations of need, the homeless. I worked in homeless services for ten years, providing assistance with housing, programs that provided daily needs such as showers and laundry, counseling, and case management. During this period, I worked with individuals considered to have severe and persistent mental health concerns such as Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression and Schizophrenia. I also extended my education to a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling and obtained a license in the state of Florida. I also earned a Graduate Certificate in Substance abuse and I am a certified addiction's professional, also in the state of Florida.
I expanded my experience with children and teens with behavioral issues. I provided in home therapy to children who needed structure in their lives. I never thought that this population would be one that I enjoyed, but it is by far, one of my favorites.
After experiencing a wide array of populations, I decided to go back to substance abuse therapy which I have been doing for the past six years.
My therapy approach is very eclectic depending on the client and the circumstance. My main modalities consist of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt, and Solution Focused therapy. My style is very conversational. I enjoy talking to my client, getting to know them, meeting them where they are, and not pushing too hard. I have learned that people can only go as fast as they can go and I am in no rush to get you there, just as long as we arrive.
I really look forward to meeting you and hope we talk soon!
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, ADHD, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster, Dependent Personality, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Impulsivity, Jealousy, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders , Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy
FL LMHC MH12423
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Melissa Powell. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Melissa is an amazing therapist. She listens, and responds to my concerns or my reactions to issues in my best interest. It may not always make me happy but neither do my behaviors and she is helping to guide me in proper behaviors and thoughts to live a healthy life.
Written on Jun 25, 2022 after therapy with Melissa for 1 year and 10 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
I’ve been seeing Melissa for almost a year and since then I have left an abusive relationship and achieved several of my wellness goals.
Written on Jan 14, 2022 after therapy with Melissa for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Love her! She makes it seem like you are talking to a friend, very comfortable and no pressure!
Written on Mar 19, 2021 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and adhd
She really makes suggestions for improving lifestyle, offers alternative points of view, empathizes with the rapidly changing emotions I feel and makes me feel not only understood but, not alone
Written on Nov 09, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, and career difficulties
Thanks to Melissa Powell I have come to the realization that I am dealing with depression and anxiety (a hard pill to swallow) and am now working on developing a routine/coping and grounding skills that will assist me in everyday living and in the event of an anxiety attack or a depression episode. Melissa also helped me understand that some days are going to be harder than most and on those days I have to work harder to get the simplest of tasks done and that is ok.
Written on Nov 04, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 4 months
Melissa is an enthusiastic and truly kind person who takes her time to talk to her patients like they are truly people. She immediately made me feel comfortable and understood but was also not afraid to point out and redirect my thinking in an extremely helpful manner. I am very grateful to have her during this trying time.
Written on Jul 20, 2020 after therapy with Melissa for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd