Melanie Mauss

Hi, I’m Melanie, but most people call me Mia.

I’m a warm, collaborative, and direct therapist. I approach therapy as a relationship, not a transaction. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I bring skill, intention, humor, and respect to each counseling session. My goal is for you to leave counseling feeling better equipped for the life you lead.

I tend to work well with people who are thoughtful and self-aware but still feel stuck. You might be functioning at a high level, showing up for work, family, and responsibilities, while underneath feeling anxious, overwhelmed, irritable, or disconnected from yourself.

For some, that comes from obvious trauma. For others, it’s more subtle—growing up with criticism, emotional distance, or pressure to “be fine,” which slowly teaches you to ignore your own needs.

In our work together, we’ll slow things down and get curious about what’s really going on beneath the surface. I often draw from parts-based work (IFS) and pay attention to patterns in both the mind and body—how stress, habits, and emotional experiences are all connected.

If you’re looking for therapy that goes beyond coping and actually helps you understand yourself and create meaningful change, please reach out!

I see therapy as a collaborative, exploratory process—not something done to you, but something we build together.

You’re the expert on your own life. My role is to get deeply curious about who you are, what matters to you, and what might be getting in the way of the life you want. I’ll listen closely, ask thoughtful (and sometimes pointed) questions, and offer observations that help you see yourself more clearly. People often experience me as both supportive and direct. I’ll sit with you in the hard things, but I won’t just nod along. I’ll gently challenge patterns that aren’t serving you and help you move toward meaningful change.

I don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. I pay attention to your story, your patterns, and even how things show up in your body, and we use that information to guide the work. Over time, therapy becomes less about “figuring things out” and more about understanding yourself in a deeper, more honest way.

You'll end each session feeling deeply known and understood, as well as challenged and refreshed. Throughout our time together, we’ll check in regularly to make sure you’re moving toward the goals you set. Therapy isn’t meant to be a lifelong commitment—it’s meant to equip you, grow you, and ultimately empower you to live with greater freedom, connection, and peace.