Education, Credentials, & Certifications

  • Masters in Counselor Education, Western CT State University, 2018
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) #3809, CT
  • Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LADC) #1411, CT
  • Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) 
  • Certified Trauma Therapist - 2019
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 Certified
  • National Organization for Victims Assistance (NOVA) CRT Trained
  • Gottman level 1 Certificate

 

About Me 

Hi! I'm Melissa. I was born and raised in Redding, CT. From my earliest memories, I've carried the weight of feeling different, not good enough, less than and like an outsider. Strangely, these inner struggles were concealed behind a well-practiced facade.

My journey towards self-discovery began with therapy at a young age, an experience I initially found uncomfortable. Back then, I couldn't muster the courage to be honest, even with myself, let alone with someone else.

Life's twists and turns led me to develop extreme protective mechanisms, leading to harsh self-judgment, criticism, and a profound sense of inadequacy. These internal battles plunged me into a deep, deep depression, a sever eating disorder, and a painful struggle with substance abuse which ultimately led me to trying to end my own life. I felt so alone and genuinely believed the only option for me was death.

After seeking help from numerous therapists, I finally found one whose support was a perfect match for me. With compassion, connection, and unwavering positive regard, she guided me towards embracing my true self, complete with all its imperfections. This newfound self-love became the foundation upon which I built my sobriety.

In hindsight, I recognize a greater meaning behind my personal struggles. I believe I endured those challenges so I could serve as a guiding light for others facing similar hardships. Through my own experience, strength, and hope, I aim to assist individuals in their pursuit of mental, emotional, and spiritual freedom.
As my journey towards recovery unfolded, I discovered my life's purpose: to offer support to others navigating their own tribulations. My mission is to assure them they are never alone, just as my own therapist did for me during the darkest chapter of my life.

Quotes I love

 

“Beginning to thank the little kid in you begins to allow them to trust the adult you and then the adult you can take over the protecting and therefore no longer have to resort to old ways that no longer serve you.”

 

“And I said to my body, softly, ‘I want to be your friend.’ It took a long breath and replied, ‘I have been waiting my whole life for this.’” – Nayyirah Waheed

 

Where are my feet right now?

 

Bring the body and the mind will follow.

 

This too shall pass - phrase originated in Persian literature.

 

"When you change the way you look at things the things you look at will change." - Dr. Wayne Dyer

 

"There is nothing either good nor bad, but thinking makes it so," – William Shakespeare

 

"Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." Viktor Frankl

 

Energy happens through intent. The intent to look inwards and be with our emotions activates energy to heal. This natural occurrence lifts the burdens we feel upon us.

 

"A healer does not heal you. A healer is someone who holds space for you while you awaken your inner healer, so that you may heal yourself." – Maryam Hasnaa

 

"Nothing ever goes away until it teaches us what we need to know." – Pema Chodron

 

"The wound is the place where the light enters you." - Rumi

 

"The soul always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind." - Carolina Myss

 

First you feel like dying, then you feel reborn.

 

“Recognizing that your mind is limited in its ability to take you toward deep fulfillment is a prerequisite for trusting the softer voice of intuition."

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