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Life can be overwhelming.
Seeking help shouldn't be.
counselor ● author ● leader
Tools for clarity, healing and connecting with Jesus
From a Recovered Worrier
to a soon-to-be Recovered Worrier:
Revell of Baker Publishing Group
Melissa
the
Counselor
I work with clients through anxiety, trauma, grief, spiritual/church/ministry concerns and more. Instead of a “one-size-fits-all” approach, I consider each client’s needs and use a combination of cognitive-behavioral, insight-oriented, psychodynamic, solution-focused and attachment concepts. In addition, I have completed training in EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Crisis training (Skills for Psychological Recovery) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State (61575463). I have a Master's Degree in Professional Counseling, completed in 2014. I am also a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. (See below for "What is a Christian Counselor?")
I am not currently taking new clients. Please contact Charis Counseling Associates or visit www.psychologytoday.com for referrals.
For those seeking therapy in Las Vegas, Nevada, you can reach out to
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Author of Jesus for the Anxious: 8 Weeks of Practicing Peace to Calm your Worry and Fear (Baker Publishing Group)
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Content developer for Charis Counseling Associates
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Submissions in Stories and Faith and Courage from the Home Front
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Submissions to former military spouse online publications Wives in Bloom and Faith Deployed
Melissa the Writer
Melissa the Teacher/
Leader
I currently work as part of the Mental Health Education teaching team for Charis Counseling Associates.
In addition to my work as a counselor, I have over a decade of experience working with adults and teens in youth ministry, women’s ministry and military ministry, to include leading, teaching and writing.
I graduated from Portland State University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. After 10 years of marriage and military life, God moved my heart to help others through life struggles so I pursued a Master's Degree in Professional Counseling, completing this in 2014. I have also completed a three-year Spiritual Formation Institute through the Renewing Life Center in Las Vegas.
More personally, I love to spend my non-working time going for walks, gardening, and spending time with family. My husband and I have two adult children and we enjoy traveling and hiking.
Melissa the Person
What is a Christian Counselor?
The term “Christian Counselor” varies widely in meaning across the landscape of helping others. Here is my working definition:
I am a...
Christian by implicit, personal faith disciplines
Counselor by explicit, ethical and professional clinical practices
for all clients.
I provide biblical integration into the therapy process by client request, informed by my personal and professional experiences in biblical studies and ministry work.