About Melanie
Hello! I am a recent (May 2019) graduate of the Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M University-Central Texas. I graduated from the same school in 2016 with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. I specialized in child and adolescents throughout my school career. For my internship, I completed hours at Cedar Crest Hospital and RTC, working with children, adolescents, and adults. Upon graduation I got a full time job at the same hospital on the adult unit. I became adept at working with those with schizophrenia, Bipolar, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and Borderline Personality Disorder. I also am very experienced and knowledgeable at working with those with ADHD, autism, and various learning and developmental delays. I enjoy using a person centered approach that focuses on the person’s strength and ability to manage their daily living through skills taught in therapy. However, I enjoy research and drawing on many other modalities to provide the treatment that would best benefit the client. I am currently an LPC-Associate/NCC, but I am less than 300 hours away from full licensure. I have experience both with the short term hospital therapy and the more chronic long term therapy aspects, having seen several clients. I have transitioned to private practice, where I see patients both in person and via telehealth. I currently cannot accept insurance because I do not have my full license yet, but I do accept cash payment.
Office Location
Costs and Insurance
$20 - 40 per session
Sliding Scale
Out of Pocket
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I began on my path to be a therapist when I was seven years old and would look at another person and wonder if they thought the way that I think. As a child, I enjoyed people watching and wondered what their motivation was behind actions. This fascination into the mind continued and resulted in my schooling and subsequent career.
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Sometimes it takes talking through things and getting another perspective to see things clearer. In addition, things can often be too overwhelming to deal with on your own and a therapist is a great person to speak to because they are nonjudgemental and nonbiased with the capabilities to give you an honest answer.
What's your experience with clients with ADHD?
ADHD is something I’ve spent a large portion of my school career focused on. I have a fascination with how the brain works, especially with diagnoses such as these. ADHD is not something that is wrong with a person, it is just a different way that the brain works. And to treat it properly takes a better understanding of how that particular person’s ADHD brain functions and accepting this difference and then utilizing it to one’s advantage. As the therapist I can help the person on this journey to acceptance and properly utilizing.
What's your experience with clients with borderline personality?
Many persons we saw at the hospital had Borderline Personality disorder, or it’s corresponding traits. This is because many persons with BPD struggle with suicide and self harm. Treating those with Borderline PD tends to go hand in hand with treating the underlying trauma that can lead to the disorder. Hospital stays work to stabilize the person, long term treatment is what is needed to work through their trauma to begin their healing that is so desperately needed.
What's your experience with clients with bipolar disorder?
While working at Cedar Crest, I saw many persons who struggled with Bipolar and the constant influx of depression cycling to mania. I worked with these persons when they were at their lowest until they stabilized enough to feel comfortable living again in their daily lives.
What is your experience with clients on the autism spectrum?
I particularly enjoy working with those persons on the Autism Spectrum. Like ADHD, those on the spectrum just have a different way of thinking and seeing the world. It takes understanding, acceptance, and knowledge to treat these patients, especially as it relates to helping them understand and accept themselves.
What's your experience with children or adolescents?
I spent my entire college career learning how to work with children and adolescents. For my internship, both in school and out, I worked at a mental hospital working both one on one and in groups with children.
Interested in talking?
(254) 933-2273Office Location
Costs and Insurance
$20 - 40 per session
Sliding Scale
Out of Pocket
Specialties
ADHD
Anger Management
Anxiety
Autism
Bipolar Disorder
Approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Art Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Emotionally Focused (EFT)