Melissa Lester, LCSW

Therapy for Women since 2005 - Combining talk therapy with state-of-the-art somatic, body-based trauma resolution methods.

Throughout my life and career, I've been fortunate to have some amazing teachers who have nurtured my emotional, spiritual and clinical growth. My path organically led me to offer therapy in ways that honor my deep connection with women. Using effective evidence-based methods that have the potential to resolve distress (trauma) once and for all, it is quite possible to facilitate healing, growth, clarity and peace. Working with adult women in individual therapy and support groups is where I am most connected to my purpose in this human life.

Beginning with a psychodynamic, insight-oriented framework, talk therapy is a great starting point for the deeper work that can - and does - ultimately change women's lives. Talk therapy, as you likely know, has its limitations. Along my paths of personal growth and clinical training, I sought out expertise in the following approaches. After many years of clinical practice, I have developed ease with using each of these - individually and woven together seamlessly.

MEDITATION
Exercises from various meditation traditions can be used in therapy to help us ground in our own being and body, feel more solidly connected to Self and truly change the way we move through the world. Meditation can help us strengthen and deepen our connection to Self, empowering us to re-learn how to trust our own thoughts, feelings and desires.

EFT TAPPING
Tapping is possibly the easiest and quickest way to regulate our emotions - and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Slow your Nervous System, clear your mind and experience deep relaxation - sometimes in a matter of moments. In the short term, Tapping can help avert panic attacks, fits of rage, cravings for food, alcohol, drugs and more. For kids, Tapping can short-circuit 'meltdowns' and help with processing the day's events. Tapping is also an incredibly effective trauma resolution method with hundreds of peer-reviewed research studies available for review at many websites.

HYPNOSIS
Hypnosis and hypnotherapy are the intentional use of trance for your desired outcome. Trance, it turns out, is part of our everyday lives, and is often in the therapy room invited or not. Hypnotherapy and trance can be used often and subtly throughout much of our work together and are easily incorporated into all of the other approaches described here. Hypnosis and trance work are effective, incredibly relaxing and serve to reinforce all of the work we do together in therapy.

SOMATIC PROCESSING
Psychotherapy (and science) have come a long way in the past 40 years and now recognize that the body and mind do not function separately. In fact, it is the body (and the Nervous System) that perceive information first, and that are initially impacted by our lived experience. When we are not given the opportunity to process all aspects of a distressing experience, perception or event, the distress associated with them stay 'stuck' in our bodies and continue to be activated by 'triggers' in our environment. Many triggers are outside our awareness, and this can lead to re-activation, re-traumatization and a never-ending cycle of distress. Bottom line - it is possible to complete the processing of distressing experiences once-and-for-all.

PROGRESSIVE COUNTING (or The Counting Method)
This approach to distress resolution is nothing short of fascinating. It is numerical, methodical and extremely effective. This approach allows us to integrate multiple healing mechanisms simply, seamlessly and incredibly effectively. By combining elements of systematic desensitization, hypnosis, and somatic reprocessing, this approach to distress resolution works. It is especially appealing to clients who have a strong 'left brain' and who appreciate a methodical, linear approach.

My goal is always to get you the most relief possible as quickly as possible. I do believe that doing the deeper, body-based work is where clients get the biggest 'bang for their buck' and long-lasting relief. Having said that, we always work at your pace, and honor what feels right and best for you in the moment. Psychotherapy really is its own kind of life-changing magic. I am grateful for having done so much of my own work over the years and thrilled to be able to offer other women a deeply meaningful (and often life-changing) experience of their own.