Meet Melissa
Therapist
Specialties:
Perinatal and postpartum population (including infertility, birth trauma, late term miscarriage/loss)
Grief and loss
Parents
Clients:
Adults (18+)
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Communications/Speech and Language Pathology, Rhode Island College, 2009
Master of Science, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Rhode Island College, 2022.
Certified Grief Informed Professional, Evergreen Certifications, Oct 2022.
Fees/Insurance:
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
$130/hour
Message to clients:
I am passionate about my work with perinatal and postpartum clients. I find it rewarding to work with clients experiencing this life transition and believe it is imperative to normalize the unique challenges that come with pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. It is important to develop a strong therapeutic relationship so that mothers and parents may feel comfortable sharing their experience in a safe environment.
Along with this important life transition, pregnancy, labor & birth don’t always go as planned, so it is vital to feel safe when discussing one’s experience if and when things go wrong. I hope to provide an empathic and supportive space for clients who experience pregnancy and parenthood, no matter the outcome.
I enjoy working with clients through the parenting stages as they navigate their experience with their child(ren). I understand that being a parent can sometimes feel lonely or isolating, whether in the newborn stages or beyond. I aim to foster a sensitive and encouraging space to support clients in this stage of life.
Finally, I believe that grief and loss encompasses so much of life’s challenges, including pregnancy, birth, parenting, and family relationships. When we think of grief, we obviously think of death and loss of life, which is much of what makes up grief therapy. However, we also feel grief about many other aspects of life, like the loss of relationships, inevitable changes in our lives, identity shifts, etc.
I find it fulfilling to work with clients on grief and loss (and traumatic grief) because it is something we all experience. I believe that there is meaning to be made out of these experiences as well, and I aim to work through these challenges with clients to find that meaning for themselves.
I want a client to experience a session with me as if they are chatting with a good friend. I strive to be approachable, warm, and respectful in session. While my goal is to make clients feel comfortable, I am also very professional and passionate about my role as a therapist. In my approach, I incorporate elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness techniques, feminist & social justice theories, and self-compassion.
My clients appreciate my fierce compassion, sense of humility, and deep appreciation of life’s challenges.
