- Stress and anxiety
- Parenting challenges
- Attachment concerns
About Melissa
Melissa Simonson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia with five years of clinical counseling experience. She previously spent 15 years working in education as a teacher and administrator. Melissa helps people cope with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, low self-esteem, and depression.
She draws on her background in schools to keep things practical and straightforward. Sessions focus on identifying clear concerns, learning skills for day-to-day life, and making gradual changes that fit real routines. Melissa listens for patterns that affect relationships and parenting, including attachment and blended family issues, then talks through ways to adjust interactions and expectations.
When trauma or post-traumatic stress is involved, she works at a pace the person finds manageable and pays attention to safety and stabilization first. For mood and anxiety concerns, sessions often center on coping strategies, thought awareness, and behavioral steps that reduce overwhelm.
Melissa also helps people facing separation, divorce, guilt, or forgiveness questions. She discusses practical steps for communication and boundary-setting. Her school experience informs work with parents and young adults navigating transitions.
People who choose her can expect clear explanations and straightforward suggestions rather than academic language. She asks about current routines and obligations so recommendations fit daily life. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session through the site.
Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions work
Melissa uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques focused on practical change. One common approach is skills-based work that teaches coping strategies for anxiety and mood concerns, such as breathing techniques, activity planning, and breaking tasks into manageable steps. These methods aim to reduce overwhelm and improve daily functioning.She also uses trauma-informed approaches that prioritize pacing and stabilization. That means working on grounding skills, emotion regulation, and gradually addressing difficult memories when a person feels ready. These approaches help with post-traumatic stress and recovery from abuse without pushing past what feels manageable.
Finding the right approach is collaborative. The therapist will review concerns, goals, and preferences, then suggest techniques to try. If something does not fit, she will adjust the plan so it better matches the person’s life and needs.
The original biography did not specify which session formats she offers. Please confirm current online session options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit counseling into a busy week, avoid travel time, and use shorter check-ins when needed. Phone sessions can work well when video is difficult, while video allows for face-to-face interaction and visual cues.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
Maryland, Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting struggles, self-esteem issues, and depression. Additional focus areas include attachment, blended family issues, divorce and separation, and related relationship concerns.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her approach is practical and straightforward. Sessions focus on clear skills, behavior changes, and communication strategies that fit everyday life.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has five years of clinical counseling experience and 15 years of prior work in education as a teacher and administrator.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds LCPC in Maryland and LPC in Virginia and is based in Maryland.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography did not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session through the site.
Online talk therapy is for adults and is not emergency care, mediation or legal advice. If you or a child are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.