About Me
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!
Specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Depression
LGBT , Grief , Intimacy-related issues , Parenting issues , Anger management , Self esteem , Bipolar disorder , Coping with life changes , ADHD , Codependency , Communication Problems , Control Issues , Read more...
Clinical approaches:
Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy
Services Offered
Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video
Licensing
LMHC #MH12423 (Expires: 2021-03-31)
Reviews
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
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.
Melissa is a great councilor. She listens and when needed redirects me when I get off track and helps me see things from a different perspective.
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.
Shes been very understanding and very positive throughout listening to me, andlways helping to find a solution. I very much appreciate her in helping me move past the issues I was having.
Melissa Powell is an incredible therapist and human being. She takes the time to listen to your concerns and helps you to figure out your needs in a very open, safe, nonjudgmental environment. LGBTQ+ friendly, She has always been a friendly face to see, a confidant and offers very helpful perspective and insight to any situation, regardless of you are aware of what you are going through or not. Above all, I would recommend Melissa to anyone who has had difficulty with therapy in the past, needs help to uncover their traumas and find their strength. Thank you, Melissa for being so wonderful!