Melissa Ellsworth

Somatic Therapy (Body Centered)

I provide somatic therapies rooted in understanding the role of the brain and nervous system and its impact on physical health. A key component of Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is employing the role of neuroplasticity and the brain's ability to change and form new pathways that are vital in healing chronic pain and its underlying roots, and creating safety in the body and mind to change the way in which the brain responses to pain and threat broadly, and instead create safety.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

IFS helps you recognize and understand your various internal 'parts' that can be influencing mental and physical health challenges like trauma, sexual issues or chronic pain, leading to more self-awareness and healing. IFS promotes a balance amongst these parts to create safety within that comes from developing a sense of self that can regulate mental and physical health challenges.

Attachment Theory

This therapy helps us understand and improve your attachment style that is formed in early relationships. It helps resolve relationship difficulties by fostering secure connections, enhancing emotional understanding, and communication skills. This therapy addresses trust issues, dependency, and intimacy challenges, leading to healthier, more fulfilling relationships. By exploring past patterns, you learn to form stronger, more secure emotional bonds in your current and future relationships.

Emotionally Focused

EF therapies help with chronic pain, sexual issues, and relationship problems by fostering emotional awareness and expression, as well as identifying and transforming negative patterns, enhancing emotional support and intimacy. In chronic pain treatment, EF therapies reduces stress and emotional roots underlying pain. For sexual issues, it improves communication and emotional connection, enhancing intimacy, strengthens bonds, resolving conflicts, and deepening trust in relationships.

Eclectic

My goal is to tailor treatment to meet the unique needs of my clients. I have vast training in other therapies that can support the diverse mental or physical health challenges that can arise, and can provide help with cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation, mindfulness and acceptance, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. These therapies are useful in supporting overall cognitive, emotional and behavioral wellness.

Chronic Pain or Illness

I have specialized in chronic pain for over a decade. I strongly believe in the healing power of neuroplasticity and our ability to heal the underlying causes of chronic pain. Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Emotional Awareness & Expression Therapy (EAET), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and somatic therapies using mindfulness and self-compassion, as well as trauma-based interventions, can help us get to the root cause of chronic pain and tailor treatment to your individual needs.

Sexual Problems

I treat sexual problems with a compassionate, evidence-based and holistic approach. My expertise covers sexual pain and dysfunctions, shame and anxiety, religion and sexuality, intimacy issues and relationship dynamics. I provide a supportive, non-judgmental space for clients to explore and improve their sexual health and satisfaction, tailoring therapy to each individual's unique needs. I am also kink and non-traditional (poly/ENM) affirming.

LGBTQ Issues

My expertise encompasses a range of issues including identity exploration, coming out, gender transition, relationship dynamics, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in various life stages. I provide a safe space for clients to embrace their true selves and navigate the unique complexities of LGBTQ+ experiences. My commitment is to help each individual achieve self-acceptance and well-being. I have specialized training in providing trans-affirming letters of support for medical care.

Gender Identity

I specialize in all aspects of gender identity exploration and transitioning, including coping with dysphoria, challenges in relationships, body image, sexual intimacy, family dynamics, workplace and school challenges and supporting mental health wellness. I also provide support around decision-making processes with gender-affirming medical care and provide letters of support for these interventions. My goal is to help clients live authentically and embrace their true selves.