Therapists in Newton, KS

Hello there! My name is Melissa (or you can call me Mel!) and in my therapeutic work, I strive to create a safe, empathic, warm, non-judgmental, and genuine environment for all my clients. I take a human-to-human approach that is authentic, real, and personable. I come from a lens of self-compassion, trauma-focused, sex-positive, anti-racist, LGBTQIA + affirming, and systems perspective.

Life often shows up in ways we don't expect. At those times we may need a fresh perspective and a new way to understand the evolving story of our lives to continue to grow and thrive. I offer a variety of holistic treatment modalities and both traditional and body-mind centered strategies for wellness. My approach to health lies in an integrative focus that recognizes that there is an inner spirit in each of us that wishes to be healthy and whole. I use Somatic therapies, EMDR, Brainspotting, Biofeedback, Depth Psychology, etc. "The work of healing begins by attending to the soul's desire for expression (Hollis)"

Encounter Freedom Therapy Center is a medium sized group practice and Trauma Center. We are committed to walking with our clients as they find healing in our safe, affordable, and understanding environment. All of our therapists are professionally trained, master level therapists (LSCSW, LCP, LCMFT, and TLMFT ), who are committed to continually growing through cutting-edge trainings. As our client, our therapists will walk with you and your family in a relatable and safe way that achieves your personal goals. Our therapists are skilled in working with families, individuals, children, and couples.

When life brings you unexpected things, therapy is a place to find you are not alone and do not have to figure things out on your own. My approach to therapy is taking a curious and non-judgmental stance that creates a safe space for individuals, couples, and families to explore themselves and their relationships. My place is to guide you in finding the tools and possibilities that you need to live a brighter balanced life.

I’m no different from the clients I see. Like everyone else, I'm human. I've been through both wonderful and difficult experiences that have shaped who I am and how I help. I've helped people let go of unhealthy thinking patterns or "sticky webs" they get caught up in, allowing a more authentic and present-moment experiencing of life, as it is, without self-judgement and radical acceptance and self-love. My clients discover it's possible to live life fearlessly, to stand true to core values, and act with conviction to be who you want to be and discover your full-potential.

I individualize my approach to meet the needs and goals of each client. I have experience and am honored to work with individuals who are struggling with depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, self-injury, suicidal ideation, gender and sexuality issues, phase of life issues, religious trauma, transitional stress, phobias, addictions, and personality disorders. I have specific interest and expertise in treating and resolving complex childhood trauma and the related symptoms of dissociation, flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.

Do you feel like all the pieces are falling apart? Have life transitions caused you to feel completely unsteady? Are you experiencing an inner battle where who you are and who you wish to be, are in conflict? Do you carry shame, trauma, and secrets so deeply and feel unsafe exploring and healing these parts? Do you live an alternative lifestyle (LGBTQIA, Poly, Kink, BDSM) and do not know where to turn, to process the dynamics of your relationships, passions, and trauma? Is living life authentically a goal you wish to achieve? Can you imagine loving yourself completely as you are, without concern for how others view you?

Whether you are dealing with general life challenges or issues specifically related to being a woman, I can help. My goal is to help women become empowered. I believe we can change how we live by changing how we think. We can change our negative self-thoughts and unhealthy behaviors, learn how to express ourselves in an assertive way and set healthy boundaries, overcome trauma and move from surviving to thriving, change how we relate to others and improve our relationships, improve our body image, make healthy choices, learn how to manage/overcome anxiety or depression or anything else that is keeping us from reaching our potential.

Trauma is common and over half of all people will have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. It does not have to continue to disrupt life. My mission is to help people find their power again and move past their trauma so they can live their best life in accordance with their values and goals and fully live and enjoy their lives. I use trauma informed care first and foremost along with a blend of other modalities in order to help clients find their own strength in managing their symptoms, learning self-compassion, and regaining their internal locus of control.