Clinical Supervision
I am dedicated therapist motivated by personal & professional growth. My passion lies in supporting other paraprofessionals becoming their best self in their craft. As a supervisor and consultant, I encourage the authentic self to come through by creating a positive learning environment, grounded in theory and ethics, while nurturing the whole therapist.
AAMFT Approved Supervisor Mentorship
Achieving the designation of an American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Approved Supervisor is highest achievement for systemic supervisors. If you are interested in receiving this designation, I can support you in identifying the values you would like to uphold as a AAMFT Supervisor, while supporting you in feeling confident in the development of your trainees’ clinical skills, ethical and professional responsibilities all while moving through self of the supervisor issues.
During this mentorship, I lean on Personal of the Therapist Training Model (POTT) by Aponte & Kissil. With POTT, supervision attends to the case itself, identifying client issues, developing hypotheses about the source of pain, and implementing strategies achieving the goals of therapy. The heart of this clinical effort is the purposeful use of self in all aspects of the therapeutic process from assessment to intervention.
EFT Supervision
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a humanistic approach to psychotherapy, developed in tandem with the science of Attachment Theory. Attachment Theory is a profound developmental theory of personality and intimate relationships and has expanded our understanding of individual dysfunction and health as it relates to love relationships and family bonds. The EFT model prioritizes emotion and emotional regulation as the key organizing agents in individual experience and key relationship interactions.
As a ICEEFT Certified Therapist and Supervisor. I am able to provide tailored supervision of your application of EFT whether you are on your road towards certification or simply want to master your application of EFT. In our supervision relationship you will experience a strong working alliance as you enhance your conceptual grasp of this model, while experientially learning your way of using EFT with your individuals, couple or families.
I received mentorship to become an EFT Certified Supervisor from George Faller, LMFT, EFT Trainer and James Hawkins, PhD, LPC, EFT Trainer.
Supervision of the Whole Therapist
Supporting other therapists in feeling confident in their treatment approach and application, is a great passion of mine. I appreciate coming alongside of you in your practice, while exploring your individual blocks and barriers to executing the desired interventions.
As your supervisor, I do not believe becoming a better therapist is simply additional trainings and certifications. I believe the key to more effective results in your work is going within. Supervision and consultation creates space for reflection on the invisible process happening during your sessions. Are you able to connect to the client’s pain? Is your inner critic prohibiting your authentic self in implementing your techniques? Are you getting caught up in the client’s process? Let’s identify the barriers that exist for you in practicing your artistry.
The theories and models are simply the tools you use; you are the craftsman. Your ability to connect with the client simply gives you more access to use the tools and apply your technique and models most effectively.
Testimonials
Resident in Marriage & Family Therapy Supervisee
"I had that pleasure of being supervised by Melissa as I worked towards licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Melissa provided just what I needed; she was an incredible mentor and supervisor. In this capacity, Melissa provided patient support, resources and suggestions. Melissa’s supervision was clear, structured, practical, contextual, and challenged me to be more thoughtful in my approach. As I worked with Melissa and my clients, my confidence grew in both facilitating the process and in discovering myself as a Therapist. I will be forever grateful for Melissa’s investment of time, energy, and stewardship."
EFT Supervisee
“Melissa has far exceeded my expectations as a supervisor. She has helped me grow as a clinician and supervisor myself in ways that I never expected. Melissa has a warm and welcoming presence that she brings to every supervision session. Her expertise has always been spot-on and valuable with cases or situations I have brought to her. She has managed to find a way to support my self-of-the-therapist growth while helping me achieve my clinical goals at the same time.”
General & EFT Supervisee
“Participating in supervision with Melissa for the past few years has been a key factor in my development as a therapist. Her gentle approach and keen insights have helped me not only grow my technical skills but increase my awareness of myself and the therapeutic process. Through our work together I have gained confidence as an individual and couple therapist, entering sessions in a grounded place and maintaining that connection to self as I navigate my clients’ conflict and dysregulation. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her and strongly recommend her!”