About New Start Therapy, PLLC
Hi, I'm Melanie
Get to know me
Life is really hard; and when life gets hard it's ok to not be ok. In my youth, I experienced significant trauma and grief that left me with a lot of anxiety. I didn't know how to cope well, I was surrounded by dysfunction and neglect. Not knowing how to properly deal with things in my life just brought me more tragedy and pain. Throughout all of this, I didn't have anyone there to support me, or to lean on. Consequently, not learning how to cope well made life very difficult for me. This is what made me want to become a therapist, I wanted to offer to others the support that I didn't have. I may not be able to change the world on a large scale, but I can help, one individual at time. And I can help you.
​
I don't have any quick fix solutions or magic wands, so if the easy button is what you're looking for, perhaps I am not the therapist for you. That is not to say that there can't be improvement evident in your life early in the therapeutic process- there definitely can be! But real, lasting change can take time.
​
What to expect
I am a neurodivergent therapist, who approaches therapy with empathy and curiosity, while also being respectfully direct. I challenge clients by asking probing questions, pointing out contradictions, and reflecting on behavior patterns; I do this with kindness, empathy, and never with criticism or judgment. Together, we can collaboratively identify your goals and chart out an actionable plan to reach them.
I work to help clients be more authentic and learn to have congruence between language, feelings, and actions. I model this in therapy by bringing my whole self, including humor, swearing, honesty, metaphors, goofiness, occasional self-disclosure, and a therapy style unique to myself. I believe connecting on a human level is imperative to the therapeutic process, and connection is easiest without a facade.
If you're ready to make positive change in your life, I would be honored to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.
​
Education & Training
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA). I have a Masters of Arts degree from Pacific Lutheran University in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Bachelors of Arts degree from Washington State University in Social Sciences, with a concentration in Psychology and Human Development. I have advanced training in The Gottman Method (levels 1 & 2), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I have extensive training in dealing with relational trauma, especially narcissistic abuse, gaslighting, and coercive control.
Therapeutic Approach
I am a systemic therapist, and as such I believe that individuals are influenced by their interactions with others and their broader social contexts. A systemic approach to therapy means that we don’t just examine an individual's functioning, but we also look at the dynamics of the overall system, plus how that system impacts the individual (and vice versa). We are all shaped by where we come from and that informs so much of what we do, how we do it, and how we feel about ourselves. Systemic therapists view individuals and their problems in this larger context, allowing for strengths to emerge and holistic treatment to empower the clients.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and empowerment. I believe in the strength and resilience of each individual, and I work alongside my clients to navigate challenges, foster self-discovery, and promote long-term, positive change. Together, we can embark on a journey towards emotional well-being and meaningful connections.
​
I have experience working with diverse populations. I work to create a safe and inclusive space, that is trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+ affirming, culturally sensitive, neurodiversity affirming, weight inclusive, and sex-positive.
