Melissa Roush Psychotherapy, LPC

My journey began after a midlife awakening. I had no idea that this fork in the road would create opportunities for me to choose a more authentic life, but I knew that I was willing to start facing the challenges before me to find out. After a divorce, a major health crisis, and uncertainty from the economic collapse in 2007-2009, I found myself taking one small step at a time toward building a whole new, more authentic, and empowered life. I am deeply compassionate and identify as a highly sensitive person. I understand the unique challenges and strengths that come from having this trait. My own experiences and training in trauma, attachment, and mindfulness have been integral to my approach to healing. I believe that the most important relationship we have is with the self, so learning to be compassionate in our struggle is an important first step in healing. I specialize in anxiety, relationship issues, boundaries, self-esteem, narcissistic abuse recovery, and attachment wounding.

While my experience and training offer guidance, new insight, and healing for my clients, I ultimately believe they intuitively know the pace and direction that is best. I work creatively and in the moment, respecting each client's unique process. Some clients love homework, some enjoy expressive techniques, and some find comfort in a safe space to talk, learn, practice mindfulness techniques, or process trauma.

I believe that we are all striving to live an authentic and meaningful life. However, many people are living lives that are based on others' dreams, beliefs, cultural norms, or expectations. When we feel torn between living our own truth and those of another, we are susceptible to a range of mental, emotional, and physical dis-ease. I provide a compassionate and accepting space to explore the authentic self that is seeking expression. I believe the measure to which we can love and accept ourselves wholly and completely mirrors the health of our choices to love and be in healthy relationships with others. In order to do this, it is sometimes necessary to say goodbye and/or face fears of rejection from family, friends, or the world as we have known it. This is no easy task! As a therapist, I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore the blocks of the past that may be holding a client back from living their most courageous, creative, and passionate life.