Hello and thanks for taking that first step towards a therapeutic relationship! I am a licensed social worker in Oregon with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence.
I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where your thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
If you're facing hard challenges and decisions, we'll process that together in a way that makes sense for you and formulate your goals so they don't seem so overwhelming. I'm straightforward and honest with my clients, and hope for a mutually transparent relationship. Solution-focused and and goal-oriented, I employ mindfulness techniques in my practice as a way to interrupt intrusive or racing thoughts. I value humor as a strength as we navigate this wild world.
Additional areas of focus: Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Body image, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Co-morbidity, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Mood disorders, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Social anxiety and phobia, Somatization, Traumatic brain injury, Women's issues, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing
OR LCSW L8486
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Melanie Smith. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I’ve had a lot of therapists and so far Melanie is one of my favorites. That’s saying something—I am a bit more cautious of/skeptical of therapy than I once was and my experience with Melanie has been so helpful and supportive.
Written on Dec 23, 2024 after therapy with Melanie for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Melanie is compassionate, intuitive, warm and smart therapist. It's evident that she really cares about her clients and treats them with respect and a sense of humor. I find her easy to talk with and her advice and direction truly useful insightful due to her own life experience. During the time I've worked with her, I've felt real progress in my emotional health journey. Thanks, Melanie!
Written on Aug 27, 2024 after therapy with Melanie for 6 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
Best I ever had
Written on Mar 05, 2024 after therapy with Melanie for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
Melanie is a very understanding and knowleagle therapist. She helped me so much.
Written on Feb 08, 2024 after therapy with Melanie for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder,
Melanie is phenomenal! If you put in the effort, she will work you to the solution. Best therapist I have had in my life. Able to work through difficult things:
Written on Nov 20, 2023 after therapy with Melanie for 9 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and family conflicts
Melanie makes me feel very comfortable and consistently addresses my concerns, giving me tools & ideas to help me along my journey.
Written on Jul 25, 2023 after therapy with Melanie for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and family conflicts