About Melinda

Welcome to my profile!

Sometimes in life we need support.  When our life is changing and we are feeling lost or overwhelmed, we can feel alone, vulnerable, raw, fearful or stuck. It can be hard to trust that someone else can meet you in that space, The feeling of vulnerability can be overwhelming.

I am very skilled at supporting clients going through major life changes, such as new or chronic illnesses, aging, grief, loss of relationship, change of job, mid-life transitions or retirement. Our identities evolve as we navigate life transitions and losses. This may mean having to recreate community, enhance coping skills and adapt to changes that are not within our control.

Having worked for a number of years as a Palliative Care and Oncology Social Worker, I have extensive experience supporting clients with grief and loss. I have seen how it can be difficult and objectifying to interface with doctors and the medical system in the face of illness. I understand the complexity of personal losses and having your body’s abilities change, while trying to navigate the medical world, and how this can impact your work and your family.

My approach to therapeutic work is eclectic. I do lean toward a conversational, psycho-dynamic, insight-oriented model, and work to create a collaborative alliance, adapting my approach to the individual. I bring compassion, sensitivity and creativity to the therapeutic relationship and work intuitively with my clients. I listen deeply to who you are and bring much life experience to my work. I believe it is important to create space and safety for the expression of the many voices within us so that our individual complexity can be understood and valued.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) in the State of Washington and received my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Washington. I have been in the field since 2005 as a mental health and a medical social worker and as a frontline healthcare worker.  Additionally, I have training in Ericksonian Hypnosis and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic-Programing), which is sometimes referred to as “waking trance.” Though I don’t utilize these techniques directly, they provide a framework for me to work with and understand the power of the unconscious as it manifests in our reactions, beliefs, behaviors and decisions.

Whatever your reason for seeking support, I would be honored to walk with you on your journey as we find your path.