Therapists in Sioux Falls, SD

I work with clients who struggle with regulating their emotions, have an unstable sense of self, feelings of worthlessness, impulsivity that leads to negative consequences, and struggle keeping or maintaining healthy relationships. I work with clients who are motivated and willing to challenge their current perspectives to adopt a new and healthier way of living life mindfully.

This anxiety is relentless. It’s been going on for so long that you can’t remember what life is like without it. You have two modes – anxious and extremely anxious. It blows you away to hear people say you have it together, because you know you don’t. Somehow, you’re pulling off life and looking successful, but on the inside you’re a wreck. The thoughts about all the ways you’re not good enough never let up. The anxiety and critical voices are what keep you from failing, right? They won’t allow you to slack off, to relax, to stop worrying. It’s beginning to take a toll on your relationships, your physical health, and on your life.

I have over 35 years of experience in the combined fields of counseling and behavioral health. Counseling is offered in a safe and supportive environment, I work with you to help release unwanted patterns/beliefs, unresolved old feelings that blocking personal power. Some of my techniques include Conventional Therapy, CBT, REBT, Solution Focused Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing. Whether you are stuck in the past, struggling with life's up & downs, unsure about your future or have experience trauma. We can work together to find resolutions to your symptoms so you can experience a more fulfilling, happier and meaningful life.

Life hands you all sorts of experiences that shape the lens through which you see the world. Our bodies and brains naturally adapt to these experiences, but can sometimes result in mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma, and adjustment disorders. Support can help you learn to set boundaries, and work through a loss or life transition - it could be changing a pattern of behavior that is keeping you stuck. Our goal is to help you feel better so you can live better.

It’s an ongoing privilege to empower individuals to overcome personal obstacles from the bumpy chapters of their lives. It is my goal to assist clients in bringing about change, healing, growth, and acceptance in their lives. I also believe that knowledge is a powerful transformative tool, which is why I incorporate bibliotherapy and psychoeducation in my therapy sessions along with cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, and integrative medicine. You will have the autonomy to direct your own treatment because the outcome is in your hands.

Since 2011 I have worked with adolescents, adults, and couples who are experiencing mental health issues related to work, school, life transitions, relationships, identity, addictions, parenting, health issues, grief, trauma, and environment. The therapeutic relationship provides a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space to work through your concerns, reframe experiences, and move in a direction that honors what is important to you.

“The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.” Carl Rogers My personal philosophy of counseling is to be a guide or facilitator of each client’s journey of self-exploration, self-understanding, and self-awareness. I believe the client is the expert in their own life story and can successfully solve problems, change, meet challenges, and heal with the support from counseling. I believe that every client is unique in their situations and in the issues brought to counseling.

Are you feeling stuck in life? I can help you through compassionate therapy. We can work together to get you going again on your journey with tools to prepare you for life's challenges. I am licensed in South Dakota and Maryland.

If you are trying to manage getting through a traumatic experience, riding the wave of up and down emotions, having relationship conflicts, or just need some assistance with life planning I can help provide direction and healing. I have been trained and enjoy using expertise in areas such as dialectical behavior therapy to assist with emotional regulation, increasing connection to the present moment, managing interpersonal relationships, and getting through crisis situations. I also enjoy using the modality of EMDR (Eye Movement Desentization and Reprocessing) to work on reducing emotions and behaviors related to past trauma.

My ideal client is an individual who comes from a complex family system and has experienced trauma in some way, including attachment trauma. They likely have struggled with addiction, identity issues, sexual issues, and major relationship struggles. I love working with personality disorders and helping people become connected with their genuine identity. I promote self-love, acceptance, and change.

At Center for Therapeutic Services and Psychodiagnostics, we are committed to helping you with the most comprehensive, holistic services that are established in evidence-based treatment. You are unique and your circumstances are unique! We will apply a broad range of dynamic assessments that are individualized and tailored to fit your unique needs. We take a creative approach to treating complex mental health problems both on an individual and group level.

A life shared is what we all strive for, however relationships can be very challenging at times. When you take two people and bring them together you are also combining different learning styles, communication styles, experiences and how you perceive a situation. The goal is to communicate effectively by being able to share what you think and how you feel.

Life's journey can pull you in various directions. The experiences, events, and relationships we encounter along our journey are unique to us, and influence who we are, and how we show up in relationships. I believe a trusting therapeutic relationship is the first step in beginning your healing journey. I offer a unique and integrative approach to healing, and work with individuals, couples, and families. I specialize in navigating the complexities of marital/family conflict, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, and eating disorders.

We all need to feel seen and heard, especially in difficult times. Accompanying my clients in their journey in the midst of life's challenges is an honor. I work from a strength-based position, incorporating family systems orientations to help obtain and use the tools necessary to cultivate change and growth. As a marriage and family therapist I love to see families and individuals thrive and live healthy lives. I am passionate about mental health with an integrative perspective that includes mindfulness and spirituality.

I am a trauma therapist and clinical supervisor. You do not have to live with difficult emotions. I can provide a safe and nurturing environment for you to get past your past, manage current triggers, and live your best life. I will help you navigate through all the implications of trauma including PTSD, anxiety, dissociation, depression, low self-esteem, attachment issues, guilt, hopelessness, loneliness, anger, shame, grief, career dissatisfaction, relationship issues, difficulties with boundaries, health concerns, and existential crises. I draw from a variety of modalities to meet your specific needs and goals.

Taking a few new clients. In Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer there is the Island of Misfit Toys, filled with playthings that seek love but are rejected because they don’t function like traditional toys. Many people we work with feel the same way. They have beautiful personalities, but for one reason or another they just don’t “fit.” Sometimes that shows up through troubles at work or home. Sometimes people just can’t get out of bed each morning. Whatever your challenge, we want you to know you have a home. At Credo, we’ll help you embrace what is unique in you and navigate what often feels like a foreign world.

I love helping people reach their full potential and providing support to them along the way! I provide a holistic and non-judgemental approach to clients to help them feel safe, heard, and validated. Together we will discover what works best for you and create reachable goals. I work with all personal, relational, sexual, and psychological issues. Through one-on-one therapy, I am committed and dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. As for couples therapy, we will work through difficult relationship dynamics and conflicts while we strengthen communication and intimacy!

Offering Telehealth Services in IA and In Person and Telehealth services in SD. Discover Healing and Hope. Are you or a loved one struggling with the weight of past trauma, anxiety, or emotional distress? It's time to take that courageous step towards healing and liberation. Meet Melissa Smith, your trusted partner on the path to recovery and resilience. Melissa partners with clients to create a safe space to process past trauma, discuss life struggles in an open and non-judgmental environment, and to offer hope in the journey of healing.