Mellissa Forde-Jackson

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes therapy works best when it feels safe, supportive, and genuinely human. I bring warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for each person’s story into my work, and I value creating a space where clients feel comfortable showing up as they are. My approach is collaborative and practical, blending evidence-based practices with a holistic, person-centered lens that honors the whole individual. I am especially mindful of how relationships, life roles, and transitions shape emotional well-being, and I partner with clients at a pace that feels steady, respectful, and empowering.

As a therapist I work to create a safe, trusting, and collaborative space, and to meet clients exactly where they are. I bring a trauma-informed, culturally responsive lens to my work and prioritize helping clients feel seen, heard, and respected.

What stands out about my therapeutic approach is my integration of evidence-based practices including CBT, Schema, IPT, CPT DBT and others while remaining flexible and person-centered. I focus on helping clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, while also building practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and healthier relationships.

Clients often share that therapy with me feels grounding, supportive, and empowering. Together, we work toward meaningful change by strengthening insight, increasing coping capacity, and fostering resilience—at a pace that feels safe and sustainable.

In our first session together, you can expect a welcoming and supportive space where you don’t have to have everything figured out. We’ll take time to get to know one another and talk about what led you to reach out for support. We’ll gently explore how your thoughts, emotions, and experiences may be connected, while honoring your story, your strengths, and your resilience.

There is no pressure to share more than you’re ready for. You are always in control of the pace and the direction of the conversation. My goal is for you to feel heard, respected, and safe as we begin this work together. Over time, we’ll collaborate to identify coping skills and strategies that feel practical, supportive, and aligned with your goals.