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My name is Melissa Shanley and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and I am here to help. I graduated from Eastern Illinois University where I studied to earn my Master of Science in Clinical Counseling. I have years of experience working in and supervising community mental health centers, college settings, hospital settings, and as an outpatient therapist to all ages and populations.
My approach
Through cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and family systems approaches I can help you alleviate symptoms, identify strengths, find hope, adjust your thinking, and teach ways to cope with negative and stressful thoughts/emotions. I am experienced in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, and family systems.
My focus
My professional interests include working with people who have experienced complex trauma/PTSD, family systems issues, and supporting people with attachment, anxiety, and mood disorders.
My communication style
My goal is to create a warm, comfortable, safe environment that will allow you to feel completely at ease to discuss what is troubling you.
My journey to mental healthcare
I began my career in my early 20s when I took a position as an aide in a psychiatric hospital. My experiences there propelled me through school so as to obtain a better understanding of mental health and how to best serve my community. Overall, I enjoy a challenge and have reaped the rewards of seeing clients learn to thrive.
My goals for you
I utilize a collaborative and individual approach to therapy whereby I work with my clients in order to develop and tailor treatment plans to fit each client’s personal needs. I understand that change may be extremely difficult and work with each of my clients at their own pace to process and understand their concerns, as well as move towards becoming more self-aware and empowered as an individual.
My first session with you
Our first session will begin with working towards building trust and therapeutic alliance at your pace. We will establish the main presenting concerns and build goals together from there.
