Melissa Harper

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor who has five years of private practice experience. I have a Masters of Science in clinical mental health counseling from Arogsy University; as well as a certification in perinatal mental health. I've had the priviledge of helping individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, traumatic stress disorder, varying mood and behavioral disorders, life transitions, and interpersonal partner violence. I have worked in a variety of settings helping my clients who are struggling to cope with life changes. I have also previously worked as an HR professional for ten years which has provided me with experience and knowledge to assist with career difficulties. My approach is diverse, based on client’s personal and cultural needs, and driven by trauma-informed care and strength-based models.

I use evidence-based treatment modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused interventions , acceptance and commitment and family structural techniques. I am multiculturally affirming LGBGTQ+ affirming, and neurodiversity affirming.

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin understanding what brings you to therapy. We'll talk about what's been happening in your life, what prompted you to seek support now, and what you're hoping to gain from our work together.

I'll likely ask questions about your current concerns, your personal history, relationships, mental and physical health, and any previous experiences with therapy. You're always welcome to share at your own pace. If there are topics you're not ready to discuss, that's okay—we can come back to them when you feel comfortable.

We'll also review practical information such as confidentiality, its legal and ethical limits, scheduling, cancellation policies, and any questions you have about the therapy process.

By the end of the session, we'll begin identifying your goals for therapy and discuss how we might work together to help you move toward them. While some people leave the first session feeling relieved or hopeful, others may feel emotionally tired or uncertain. All of those reactions are normal.

Therapy is a collaborative process. My role is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space, offer clinical guidance, and work alongside you as we explore challenges, build on your strengths, and help you make meaningful changes over time.