Melissa Butterfield

Some days you might feel fine, and then something small brings it all back. Or maybe you're tired of telling people you're okay when you're really not. If any of that sounds familiar, I'm really glad you're here. I'm Melissa, and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with 14 years of experience. I spent more than ten of those years working in inpatient psychiatric care. What stayed with me most is how much people can heal, even after the hardest things. These days I work with adults dealing with trauma and PTSD, grief, anxiety, and depression, and I have a particular interest in what women go through, from big life changes like divorce to the pressure of taking care of everyone else. Whatever you're carrying, you don't have to soften it for me.

I'll start by asking what you want to feel different, because that's what our work should be all about. Then we'll slowly untangle the thoughts and habits that keep you stuck, and try small, doable changes you can use in your actual life. I'll also point out what you're already doing right, since that's easy to miss when you're struggling. For trauma, I use [name your approach, e.g., CPT or EMDR], which helps painful memories feel less overwhelming. We'll go at whatever pace feels okay to you. And if you show up after a rough week and just need to talk it through, that's what we'll do.

Booking that first session can feel like a lot, especially if you've been holding things in for a while. Honestly, just getting here counts for something. I'll ask what's been going on, what you'd like to be different, and where you'd like to start. You don't need to prepare anything, and I won't ask you to dive into your hardest memories right away. That can wait until you're ready. If you get nervous, go quiet, or aren't sure what to say, that's completely okay. Feel free to ask me questions too. By the end, you'll have a better sense of what we'll work on, and whether I feel like the right person for you.