Melanie Simms, LMFT

I provide strengths-based, trauma-informed therapy to adolescents and young adults. I am passionate about helping young clients develop the self-worth and mental wellness needed to navigate the challenges of today's world and break intergenerational cycles of trauma.

Choosing a therapist is HARD! How many different profiles have you scrolled through? How many times have you given up on the search only to find yourself right back in it a few days (or weeks or months) later. Navigating the world of mental healthcare can be overwhelming and exhausting. If you're anything like me when looking for a therapist, you've read through endless profiles, finding something you don't like about one therapist after another. The truth is, at a certain point, you just have to give someone a try. Whether you've had previous therapy experience or are completely new to the process, my goal is to create a safe, relatable, and comforting space for you to truly be yourself and open up. If you're not quite ready for that yet, that's okay. Be proud of yourself for getting this far.

In my seven years of practice as a therapist, I have worked in a variety of settings, serving many types of clients and their unique needs. My background includes: school based counseling for special education students, advocacy and treatment for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, in home therapy with foster youth, and program management for an outpatient behavioral health program. Through these roles, I developed a passion for helping adolescents, college students, and young adults heal their childhood wounds and take ownership of their adult lives.

I currently offer both individual and couples therapy to older adolescent and young adult clients (15-28 year olds). My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. I operate from the belief that the client is the expert on their own life, and I am there as a witness, a source of support, and a toolbox of techniques and strategies.

While I incorporate techniques from a variety of theories, I rely most heavily on CBT and family systems approaches. I am also trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. As a therapist, I want to make sure you are benefiting from our work together, so if you feel something isn’t working I encourage my clients to provide feedback so that I can tailor my approach to better support your needs.  

If this sounds like the type of therapeutic relationship you're looking for, or if you have any questions about my background or approach to therapy, please reach out by text or email to schedule your free 15-minute consultation.