Melinda's Specialty:

My practice focuses on perinatal mental health and trauma. I’m passionate about providing support to new and experienced parents, including those navigating pregnancy, postpartum, or healing after a perinatal loss. Mixed feelings can arise at any time, and it can feel isolating even when surrounded by others. It’s ok to not feel ok. Reaching out for support is a courageous and powerful step toward healing.

 

I also work with individuals who have experienced trauma in their childhood, such as emotional neglect, verbal, sexual, or physical abuse. I have also worked with individuals who have struggled with addiction due to trauma.

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Prior to processing difficult emotions or trauma, we will work together on building a positive therapeutic relationship. I will help support and guide you on establishing ways to manage and cope with emotions and triggers you are experiencing. This is important to your success in the therapy process. The primary piece to therapy is feeling safe before moving forward. We will work together at your pace. 

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I believe that by providing a safe, compassionate space and effective ways to cope, you can begin to have inner peace with your journey. We’ll openly communicate about how therapy is going and the progress you’re making. Please reach out for a free consultation. I look forward to connecting with you!​​

 

Approach:

My work draws from a psychodynamic approach. This means you learn more about yourself and make sense out of your behaviors. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to work through disruptive emotions, which helps manage triggers in healthier ways. A trigger is a reminder of an emotional response, for example a scent, sound, or the way someone looks. Many times people don't understand their emotional response so they are unable to make the connection. This is due to how the brain tries to "forget" what has happened. Then we are left not being able to make sense out of our world. I also use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness.

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I will help you discover a sense of calm to help work through the pain, better manage emotions, and work towards inner peace.

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Services:

All sessions are provided via secure online telehealth throughout Wisconsin using SimplePractice, a HIPAA compliant platform. Sessions are 55 minutes long.

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You’re welcome to use creative tools such as journaling, coloring, or doodling during sessions, or have a support animal nearby if that helps you feel more at ease. You’re also welcome to have your baby or toddler join as needed, or attend while breastfeeding, pumping, or during naptime, whatever helps you feel most supported and present during therapy.

 

When you’re ready, I’m here to help you begin your healing journey.

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How I Began My Career as a Therapist:

Throughout my career working with individuals and families, I discovered my calling in perinatal mental health and unresolved childhood trauma. 

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I began as an in-home psychotherapist providing intensive therapy for children and adolescents, along with weekly family sessions. Much of my work was with individuals who had experienced trauma, often expressed through behaviors like anger, defiance, or self-harm.

 

Prior to my work as an in-home psychotherapist, I worked six years making home visits to new moms; including Spanish-speaking individuals. After eight years of in-home work, I transitioned to a behavioral hospital and worked there for three years in the intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs.

 

If you’re ready to begin processing trauma, I’m here to help. We start slow with building a therapeutic relationship and eventually begin deeper work when you're ready. 

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About me:

I studied Spanish and nutrition during undergrad and found a love to travel to explore other cultures. My first full-time role after earning my Bachelor of Arts was working within the community and visiting new parents' homes to discuss and educate on child development. After a few years of doing this kind of work, I knew there was a greater calling. I continued my work full-time and started graduate school to become a psychotherapist. I graduated from UW-Whitewater Counselor Education program in 2013 and received my Masters of Science degree. I had worked alongside a phenomenal professor that guided my individual work as a trauma therapist. I found that my best work is done with adults who have unresolved issues from childhood and particularly childhood abuse. As I continued my practice, I found a deeper passion for perinatal mental health after having my second child. 

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I'm married and have two school aged children!

 

I absolutely love the outdoors and a nice run in nature or a workout at home. I'm also an animal lover!

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​How to Get Started:

You can submit an inquiry below or request a free consultation.