Melissa Gilliam

My communication style

I create a warm, comfortable environment from our first meeting. I use a soft, soothing voice and maintain eye contact to show you're being heard. I sit without barriers, lean in during difficult topics, and nod to show I'm actively listening. I offer compassionate feedback and reflective questions to guide our conversations.

My journey to mental healthcare

Growing up, I was the voice of reason in my family, always offering support and advice. This natural inclination toward helping others drew me to the counseling profession. I've always loved being of service by offering compassion and empathy without judgment, and that passion has guided my entire career.

My goals for you

During intake, we'll discuss your experiences and identify which issue feels most important to address first. I'll create a treatment plan tailored to your priorities and review it regularly. Every quarter, we'll measure your progress together. As you develop better coping skills and resolve issues, we'll gradually reduce session frequency.

Our first session

I'll share my background, then review important policies like attendance and cancellation. I'll ask you to tell me about yourself and what brings you to therapy. I'll listen actively while taking notes for documentation, and I'll let you know our session timeframe so we can end as scheduled.

I identify as...

• Female
• Black or African American
• Christian