Hi, there! I go by "M.A.," though I have other nicknames, too. I'm a licensed family therapist and a licensed psychologist; I completed my graduate education programs in Miami, FL. I work from a multigenerational family systems approach and incorporate psychodramatic (& sociometric) methods into my clinical work; these are each relational in theory, in reality/in practice, and in the healing process. I believe in establishing clear boundaries and learning what someone's emotional needs are, so that they can make healthy choices and potentially get grounded as often as necessary.
I've been a psychotherapist for more than 30 years. This has included working with many different groups of people in various settings (e.g., private psychotherapy, inpatient drug treatment, high school counseling program, county drug treatment, outpatient psychotherapy, women's prison, drug court treatment, etc.). My focus at times has been on healing past personal trauma (e.g., sexual abuse/incest, rape, domestic violence, etc.), as well as anxiety, stress, depression, and borderline personality disorder - among other daily life challenges.
I look forward to beginning my work with you and hope you'll ask me questions about anything that will facilitate a useful & relevant experience in therapy for you, personally. I hope to hear from you soon!
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Avoidant personality, Blended family issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dependent personality, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Drug and alcohol addiction, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, First responder issues, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, HIV / AIDS, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality disorders, Phobias, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Sexuality, Smoking / vaping cessation, Social anxiety and phobia, Somatization, Traumatic brain injury, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
FL Psychologist PY7080
FL LMFT MT1504
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Melinda Lawless Coker. 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.
Lovely therapist and very knowledgeable
Written on May 06, 2024 after therapy with Melinda for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I have worked with Melinda for a year now and she has help me with my confidence and growth so much, so caring, respectful and supportive
Written on Mar 06, 2024 after therapy with Melinda for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, career difficulties, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Dr Lawless Coker (MA) - has / is an excellent therapist. She's helped me understand my key issues and give me the skills to move forwards. All from the other side of the world and our respective houses.
Written on Aug 05, 2023 after therapy with Melinda for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues
Dr Lawless Coker is a great support on my journey to self compassion, healthy strategies, understanding myself, healing from trauma, and dealing with challenges in life. She is encouraging and helpful and makes therapy feel less scary and intimidating.
Written on Jun 15, 2023 after therapy with Melinda for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
Dr Coker is attentive and gets to the source of things. She's been helpful since day 1 and we've made great progress and have found multiple ways to stay connected since I have started my time with BetterHelp! I vouch for Dr Lawless Coker!!
Written on Mar 22, 2023 after therapy with Melinda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes
We have only met once But I’m confident that Dr lawless will continue to be vital part of my recovery ❤️
Written on Jul 29, 2022 after therapy with Melinda for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes