Hello, my name is Melissa Bazydlo and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Philadelphia, working with patients statewide using telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in utilizing a holistic, strengths-based approach with patients to help them achieve their goals, both inside and outside of treatment.
My approach
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all model! Our sessions are tailored to you and your specific needs. I pull most often from my training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) while incorporating skill-building and problem-solving into sessions. I also like to incorporate humor into sessions and use it to build rapport with my patients. (My patients know I'm always good for a pun or 'dad joke.')
My focus
While I have worked with a wide variety of clients in my career, I find that my sessions are most helpful to folks who are contemplating changes in their adult lives. I enjoy helping my clients work through relationship and dating issues, caregiver fatigue, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, and day-to-day stressors. I am also well-versed in the effects of trauma and PTSD and enjoy helping patients process and employ healthy coping skills they can use to manage symptoms.
My communication style
I would describe my sessions as relaxed. I don't come in with bullet points or an agenda (unless you ask me to!) and am happy to discuss whatever comes up. My patients find that our sessions feel more like a conversation, with some helpful observations, questions, and levity sprinkled in.
My goals for you
A huge part of goal-setting is identifying what you'd like to change or see play out differently in your life. It's okay to not have a specific goal right away! Through our sessions, we will discuss what is important to you and help formulate a plan from there. It is not my job to judge whether or not a goal is 'good' or 'worthy.' I am my patients' biggest cheerleader and want to help you achieve the goals that you've set forth!
My first session with you
During our first session, I will gather some standard intake information and ask you what you're hoping to get out of therapy. ("I don't really know" is a perfectly acceptable answer too!) I like to use this time to get to know one another and answer any questions or concerns you might have.