Melissa Watts, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
St. Peters, Missouri
VerifiedTelehealth Available
My Approach to Therapy
You feel misunderstood, unnoticed, and underappreciated. You are questioning yourself and your abilities to handle life. You are thinking the same things over and over with no actual resolution. You haven’t entirely found your “people,” and it’s been weighing you down lately. I enjoy working with young adults who are learning who they are and what they want to offer the world but struggle with motivation and self-esteem to accomplish their goals. I am here to help and support you. Let's work together to establish goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. I encourage clients to engage in self-care both inside and outside of session by: journaling, identifying and expressing emotions in an appropriate and healthy manner, engaging in basic hygiene habits, creating and keeping appointments for health-related concerns, taking walks in nature (have you ever seen Lake Erie on a summer night?), and staying in contact with support system. I believe therapy requires a strong professional relationship which we will build over time as you allow me to glimpse into your past, present, and future. We will be vulnerable, laugh a lot, cry a little, and more importantly work together to get you closer to being the person you have always wanted to be.
My Practice & Services
I offer mental health therapy through a HIPAA-Compliant Portal via SimplePractice and only see clients in the state of Ohio and Missouri on a telehealth (and soon to be in-person in Missouri!) basis. Thanks to the power of the internet, I often screenshare videos, worksheets, and pictures that will help you gain insight into your own mental health.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
Anxiety, Depression, Isolation, Self-esteem, and trauma.
How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist
Due to therapy being focused on the client and their individual needs, I use self-disclosure during limited times, only when I believe it will benefit the person on the other end of the screen. Through my own therapy, I have learned ways to appropriately manage my own symptoms of anxiety. I engage in mindfulness and meditation. I reach out to my support system at least once a day. I read books and watch shows that showcase the importance of mental health and ways to care. I consult with colleagues who have been in the field for quite some time and have lots of knowledge to offer. I prioritize my health and well being by being out in nature with my husky, Jackson, as often as I can. I pet my cat, Callie, and focus on her purr and soft fur to ground me and bring me back to a stable place. I utilize affirmations and positive self-talk. I take accountability when I mess up. I validate my own feelings, even the uncomfortable ones. Therapy gave me a safe place to discuss my thoughts and the opportunity to learn more about how I accomplish my goals. This allowed me to become a better therapist for my own clients and for that, I am thankful.
Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed
Therapy is hard work and anyone who has sat in that chair and spoken about their personal lives, values, and relationships will agree. Therapy is so much more than talking as someone nods their head and judges silently. Therapy is exploring parts of yourself that others may not get the chance to see. Therapy is creating and keeping appointments on a regular basis. Therapy is accountability. Therapy is learning new ways to think, feel, and behave and actually using these skills to improve your life. Therapy is a way to care for and maintain your mental health in a world that is constantly challenging. We all have flaws and we all have weak moments, but it's not because we are in therapy.
Expertise & Specialties
Age Groups I Work With
ChildrenTeensAdultsElders
Groups I Work With
I enjoy working with young adults undergoing life transitions such as moving, attending college, becoming a first-time parent, starting a new job, who identify as creative, unique, and open-minded. I also enjoy working with clients who are grieving the loss of a loved one (opportunity, job, etc.) as well as clients who have experienced childhood or adult trauma.
Therapy Services & Specialties
Concerns & Challenges Addressed
Abuse / Abuse Survivor IssuesAcademic ConcernsAdjusting to Change / Life TransitionsAngerAnxietyBipolarBlended Family IssuesBody Image
Therapeutic Approaches & Evidence-Based Methods
Client-Directed Outcome-Informed Therapy (CDOI)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)Conflict Resolution TherapyDialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)Family Systems TherapyFeminist TherapyHumanistic Psychology (humanism)
Industries & Communities
BIPOCEducationEntertainment IndustryFirst Responder/Medical ProfessionalsLGBTQ+Self-Employed and Freelance ProfessionalsUnion First