Hi, I’m Melina Meshad. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience, and I am here to assist adults who desire personal satisfaction, healthy relationships, emotional balance, goals, and purpose. I work with adults, including young adults, professionals, military veterans, older adults, and individuals navigating life transitions, family estrangement, depression, anxiety, mood cycling, relationship issues, blending families, spiritual questioning, transition into adulthood, and childhood or past trauma.

I tend toward being a solution-focused therapist while also integrating deeper existential issues. In the beginning, I often use a triage-style approach, looking at the current barriers that may be getting in the way of productivity, functioning, or happiness. From there, we may explore past issues, past trauma, family issues, and existential concerns related to meaning and purpose.

My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and at times educational. I use cognitive-behavioral therapy, along with mindfulness practices that support the connection between the body and mind. Each person is different, so I find it best to use various approaches such as CBT, family systems, relationship methods, narrative work, creative expression, trauma-focused therapy, and an existential perspective to address purpose.

Many of my clients experience anxiety and depression. I also work with family dysfunction and use my own three-step process for managing stressful and difficult relationships. I often work with family members who are estranged from other family members, including parents whose adult children have become estranged or partially estranged. I also allow clients to invite another person into the session at times, such as a child or spouse, when it is helpful to the work.

My style is comfortable, easy, warm, and direct, while remaining trauma-informed and empowering. I work in a judgment-free way and leave space for clients to provide feedback. I see the client as the expert on their own life, and I work as a collaborative guide to provide insight and tools while respecting each client’s self-determination.

My goal is to help clients learn and use tools that can improve their lives. As we work together, we will use a solution-focused and strength-based approach that can help create growth early on, move past current barriers, and go deeper into what may be keeping you from true satisfaction. Clients often report feeling more empowered when working with me. They may find themselves becoming free of shame, free of old patterns that get in the way of productivity, more connected to meaning and purpose, and able to see a realistic way forward.

Outside of my clinical work, I am a songwriter and writer. I am currently working on a book and recently released a CD called This Devil Won’t Let Me Loose. I often write songs that tell stories and provide a peek into the different struggles people face from all walks of life. My educational background before psychology was in religion and philosophy, which gives me a broader view of the human condition.

I am interested in your story and the areas you choose to address in order to build stability, healthy relationships, positive self-esteem, and empowerment. I can help you understand your family dynamics and heal from being wounded by those you love. Please reach out and explore whether my approach is beneficial. This is about your positive growth.