Melissa Backus

I take a down-to-earth, supportive approach to depression, blending different therapy styles to fit your needs. We’ll explore patterns that keep you stuck, challenge self-doubt, and build coping skills to lift your mood. Small, meaningful steps can make a big difference, and I’ll be there to guide you. Together, we’ll work on self-compassion, resilience, and reconnecting with what truly matters to you.

I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where teens feel heard and understood. Using a mix of therapeutic modalities, I help teens navigate anxiety, self-esteem, identity, and peer challenges. I balance structure with open conversation, ensuring therapy feels relatable—not like a lecture. With humor, validation, and real-life tools, I empower teens to manage emotions, build confidence, and develop healthy coping strategies, all while respecting their individuality and autonomy.

I integrate mindfulness into therapy to help clients develop awareness, emotional regulation, and self-compassion. By guiding them through grounding exercises and developing present-moment awareness, I empower clients to observe thoughts without judgment. This is especially effective for anxiety, perfectionism, and nervous system regulation. Clients learn to pause, reduce reactivity, and foster a sense of calm, making mindfulness a powerful tool in their healing and personal growth.

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, perfectionism, and self-doubt. Through practical strategies like cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, and mindfulness, I guide clients in developing healthier perspectives and coping skills. My approach is collaborative and engaging, making CBT accessible—especially for first-time therapy clients—so they feel empowered to create meaningful change.

I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) by helping clients build psychological flexibility—teaching them to accept difficult emotions rather than avoid them, defuse from unhelpful thoughts, and commit to values-driven actions. Through mindfulness, cognitive diffusion, and behavioral change, I guide clients in shifting from struggling with anxiety or self-doubt to embracing a meaningful life.

I take a warm, collaborative approach to anxiety, blending Schema Therapy, CBT, ACT, and DBT. I help clients understand their anxiety’s roots while building practical coping tools. We explore thought patterns, nervous system regulation, and mindfulness to reduce overwhelm. I create a supportive space where clients feel safe to challenge fears, reframe unhelpful beliefs, and regain confidence. My goal is to make therapy feel engaging, empowering, and tailored to each person’s needs.

I take a warm, collaborative approach to anxiety, blending Schema Therapy, CBT, ACT, and DBT. I help clients understand their anxiety’s roots while building practical coping tools. We explore thought patterns, nervous system regulation, and mindfulness to reduce overwhelm. I create a supportive space where clients feel safe to challenge fears, reframe unhelpful beliefs, and regain confidence. My goal is to make therapy feel engaging, empowering, and tailored to each person’s needs.