Melissa Rolfes

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Virginia with over 10 years of experience working in hospital, community health, and private practice settings. I work primarily with adults navigating anxiety, stress, depression, grief, relationship challenges, life transitions, burnout, and existential concerns.

My style is compassionate, affirming, and direct. I believe therapy works best as a collaborative process where you feel heard, valued, and supported, not judged or treated like a set of symptoms.

I also have a strong interest in helping people better understand how stress and emotions show up in the body, and much of my work incorporates mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and somatic work in practical and accessible ways.

I strive to create a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can show up fully as themselves, including LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients seeking affirming care.

Lear more about me and my private practice: www.inhaleexhalecounseling.com

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to the individual. I draw from cognitive therapy, psychodynamic therapy, somatic and mindfulness-based approaches, and existential therapy depending on each client’s needs and goals.

Together, we may explore unhelpful thought patterns, recurring relationship dynamics, emotional overwhelm, stress responses, or deeper questions around identity, meaning, and authenticity. I aim to help clients better understand themselves, feel more emotionally steady, and develop practical tools that create meaningful and sustainable change.

The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and begin building a foundation for our work together. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, what you’ve been struggling with, and what you hope to get out of the process.

I’ll also ask questions about your background, relationships, stressors, and emotional patterns so I can better understand the full picture of what’s going on. My goal is for the first session to feel supportive, collaborative, and grounded, not overwhelming or overly clinical.

If you don't see an open slot that works for you, please email me to explore additional availability! [email protected]