Melissa Thompson, LCSW-C
Therapist | Adolescents & Young Adults
LGBTQIA+ • Trauma & PTSD • Anxiety • Life Transitions
I work with adolescents and young adults navigating identity, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and other emotional challenges. I have a special dedication to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth and creating a space where clients can feel safe being themselves.
My approach is warm, affirming, and collaborative. Together, we can better understand what you’re experiencing, develop practical coping skills, and work toward greater self-acceptance, resilience, and confidence.
You Might Be a Good Fit If...
You’re exploring your identity, self-acceptance, or sense of belonging
You’re seeking an LGBTQIA+ affirming and supportive space
Anxiety, stress, or emotional overwhelm are affecting your everyday life
You’re processing trauma or experiences from your past
You’re adjusting to changes in relationships, school, family, or other areas of life
You want practical tools for understanding, expressing, and managing emotions
You’re interested in EMDR or other evidence-based approaches to therapy
My Approach
My therapeutic approach may incorporate:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Care
The specific approach we use will depend on your individual needs, experiences, and goals.
You don’t have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. I provide a supportive, affirming space where you can be honest about what you’re experiencing and explore your identity, emotions, relationships, and difficult experiences without judgment.
My background in teaching and clinical social work helps me bring both warmth and practical support into our work together. We can build on the strengths you already have, develop coping skills that fit into your everyday life, and work through challenges in a way that feels manageable and meaningful.
Whether you’re navigating identity, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, or simply trying to better understand yourself, we’ll work toward greater self-acceptance, resilience, and confidence in who you are and where you’re going.
How I Can Help
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy
I provide an affirming space to explore identity, relationships, self-acceptance, and the challenges that can come with feeling misunderstood or unsupported. Together, we can work toward greater confidence in who you are while developing tools to navigate the relationships and environments around you.
Adolescents & Young Adults
Growing up and becoming more independent can bring changes in identity, relationships, school, work, family, and expectations. I work with adolescents and young adults to better understand what they’re experiencing, strengthen coping skills, and navigate these changes in ways that support their emotional well-being.
Trauma & EMDR
I work with clients who are navigating trauma and difficult past experiences. Using trauma-informed approaches, including EMDR when appropriate, we can process those experiences, understand how they may be affecting you today, and develop tools that support healing and resilience.
Anxiety & Emotional Challenges
When anxiety, stress, or difficult emotions begin affecting everyday life, we can work together to understand the thoughts and patterns contributing to what you’re experiencing. We’ll develop practical strategies to manage emotions, strengthen coping skills, and build greater confidence navigating challenges.