I am an experienced Social Worker with an LCSW and have worked in agencies and private practice and public schools during my career. I am also a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional which is helpful when working with people managing anxiety and mood disorders. Integrative Health is about looking at lifestyle factors and blends conventional and complementary modalities to best address symptoms.
When we work together, my goal is to help you figure out how to improve all areas of your life, but of course, address the goal that you want to work on.
You should know that I often assign think-sheets or homework between sessions which we will discuss later. This helps keep you moving toward your goals and practicing the skills learned during our sessions.
More about my training-
I was formerly an Certified Addictions Counselor (CADC) but have broadened my practice to work with clients with a variety of issues but that is also an expertise you may want to know about.
I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago Jane Addams School of Social Work. I continually work to grow and improve my practice by researching, finding and providing effective supports and using the most current, best-practices in the field. Using a strengths-based approach with Cognitive Behavior Theory, Person-Centered counseling approaches and the integration of other approaches, such as Solution Focused Therapy, I work with you to find more positive, effective social and coping skills, in order to see improvements in relationships
I specialize in working with those who have difficulty with self-esteem, depression, trauma, anxiety, Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and making lasting changes in life.
Further, I have extensive experience working with those who have experienced trauma to help them to learn distress tolerance, emotion regulation and how to incorporate mindfulness and other coping strategies in order to manage your relationships and functioning in life in a healthier way.
My focus is on the well-being of my clients, and will work with you to set goals to improve your life functioning.
I am told that I am warm and approachable and easy to talk to.
I would I love to work with you to improve your life!
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Family conflicts, Grief, Anger management, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, ADHD, Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Communication problems, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dependent personality, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Drug and alcohol addiction, Family problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality disorders, Postpartum depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy
IL LCSW 149.023864
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Melissa Filippi. 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 written a review about Melissa before, but honestly I can't even begin to express how much I love and appreciate her support and feedback. I don't think I have ever been more well-matched with a therapist in my life before, so it is very encouraging having sessions with her and being able to trust in her knowledge and expertise. Thank you so much Melissa for everything! You're a true blessing!
Written on Jun 20, 2023 after therapy with Melissa for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I have had a few sessions with Melissa and she is wonderful. Super understanding, supportive and caring. I highly recommend her!
Written on Apr 19, 2023 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and parenting issues
Just simply the BEST!!
Written on Feb 19, 2023 after therapy with Melissa for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
Melissa Williams is punctual, caring, and has great intuition when conversing. She is great at prompting conversation, listening, validating, and challenging. Through all of this, she is a very respectful therapist.
Written on Feb 13, 2023 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
So far better health therapy has been better than expected
Written on Feb 05, 2023 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
Awesome therapist and easy to talk to! highly recommend!
Written on Feb 02, 2023 after therapy with Melissa for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes