Melissa Wasserman (she/her)

My primary research expertise is examining the impact of historical and intergenerational trauma. I have examined this phenomenon in individuals who identify as Jewish, Indigenous, and who are descendants of Holocaust survivors. This research specialty has translated into my clinical work and impacts the lens in which I approach treating trauma with my clients.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an empirically supported treatment that helps rewire the brain’s response to stressful experience by using guided bilateral movements (e.g., eye movements, tapping) to process painful memories. Think of it like REM sleep- when you are in REM sleep, your brain processes events from the day. EMDR is like clearing out mental clutter—transforming past wounds into something less overwhelming so you can move forward with peace and freedom.

As a trauma psychologist, I am trained in CPT, an evidence based treatment for PTSD. CPT is a structured approach that helps people reframe unhelpful thoughts related to their traumatic experiences, so they can break free and regain control over their lives. Think of it as a guided mental reset—where you learn to challenge the painful beliefs holding you back and rewrite your story with strength and clarity.

My approach is semi-structured and I utilize evidence-based practices as we work together to help you gain perspective to move forward without being held back by past experiences. Sometimes, it might feel like our past experiences deeply impact us, including our self-perception, our beliefs about others, and how we interact with and navigate the world.

I utilize evidence-based practices as we work together to help you gain perspective and move forward without being held back by past experiences. Sometimes, it can feel like our past experiences impact us...our self-perception, beliefs about others, and how we navigate the world. CBT is sort of like mental strength training—teaching you to challenge unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier, more empowering ones so you can take control and feel more empowered.

I utilize evidence-based practices as we work together to help you gain perspective and move forward without being held back by past experiences. Sometimes, it can feel like our past experiences impact us...our self-perception, beliefs about others, and how we navigate the world. CBT is sort of like mental strength training—teaching you to challenge unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier ones so you can take control and feel more empowered.

As a trauma psychologist, I am trained in CPT, an evidence based treatment for PTSD. CPT is a structured approach that helps people reframe unhelpful thoughts related to their traumatic experiences, so they can break free and regain control over their lives. Think of it as a guided mental reset—where you learn to challenge the painful beliefs holding you back and rewrite your story with strength and clarity.

I have experience in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in which we evaluate the impact that thoughts can have on emotions (e.g., overwhelm, overstimulated, anxious, nervous, irritable) and behaviors (e.g., avoidance, dissociative behaviors, withdrawal, sleep challenges).

My primary research expertise is examining the impact of historical and intergenerational trauma. I have examined this phenomenon in individuals who identify as Jewish, Indigenous, and who are descendants of Holocaust survivors. This research specialty has translated into my clinical work and impacts the lens in which I approach treating trauma with my clients.

I have specialty in traumatic stress, particularly how trauma-related challenges impact interpersonal relationships (e.g., couples, families, social, work relationships). While trauma can include a wide variety of experiences and challenges, my clinical expertise includes working with individuals who have experienced intergenerational trauma, interpersonal/relational trauma, war-related trauma and violence, civilian and military sexual trauma, and traumatic loss.

I have specialty in traumatic stress, particularly how trauma-related challenges impact interpersonal relationships (e.g., couples, families, social, work relationships). While trauma can include a wide variety of experiences and challenges, my clinical expertise includes working with individuals who have experienced intergenerational trauma, interpersonal/relational trauma, war-related trauma and violence, civilian and military sexual trauma, and traumatic loss.