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Hey there! I’m Melissa Mekula, LCPC, LADC which means I specialize in co-occurring disorders and can help with mental health and/or substance use concerns. If we are working together we will use attachment theory, rational emotive behavioral therapy, gestalt techniques, and many other psychodynamic approaches to help you achieve your goals and feel your best.
My approach
I describe my theoretical orientation as object-relations, cognitive behavioral, and existential. If we are working together we will explore how early experiences and attachment styles may be impacting all types of relationships in your life and how attachment may impact addiction if that’s relevant for you. We will look at how patterns in your thinking and actions may impact your life and how your feelings relate to all this. When you feel ready we will explore a sense of purpose and meaning that helps you love something about life every day. My goal is to help improve your self-awareness and give you space to become your most authentic self.
My focus
There is no typical client for me, but it may help to know I have spent much of my career working with adults who struggle with both mental health and addiction concerns. Most clients I have worked with have struggled with a severe and persistent mental illness, have experienced trauma, and have struggled to connect with a therapist in the past.
My communication style
My communication could be described as narrative which means I may build with a slow-pace and be indirect at times, but am people-oriented. I may encourage you to tell your story before I provide direct challenges or feedback. I will do my best to provide validation and empathic challenges to support your true goals for therapy. I will respect your limits in sharing and will check for understanding along the way. You can expect me to be genuine and use humor from time-to-time. My hope is that we maintain a professional relationship that holds human connection at its core.
My journey to mental healthcare
I love to talk and I love to listen. I love to help solve a problem. I struggled to find a purpose, sense of belonging, and love of life as a kid and teenager. I fell in love with psychology after a high school introductory class that got me fascinated in the brain. The more I learned about possible psychology careers, the more excited I became to help people get control over their lives and their brains again. I was excited to understand emotions and grief that didn’t make sense. I wanted to understand addiction, compulsion, and stubborn human behavior. Once I was given the tools from school I found my passion helping those who had been misunderstood and were struggling to have good days. Being a therapist has given me purpose, belonging, and a love for life. I would love to share that with you.
My goals for you
Goals must be mutually agreed upon. I will always ask you for a direct quote on your goals and will help use my training to use what has worked for you in the past as well as new ideas to find success and wellness.
My first session with you
Our first session may leave you tired as you recall what is heavy for you. Clients can expect me to ask questions to get to know them and keep the conversation going. It is up to you how well you’d like me to know you after our first meeting. I may ask direct and uncomfortable questions at first, but you are always welcome to set boundaries about topics at this time and make a plan for how to address hard topics in the future.
