Melissa Wijetunga, MA, QMHP (she/her)

My Approach to Helping

I believe that childhood experiences have lasting effects on personality development and the ability to cope with the challenges of navigating various spaces such as school, work, and family. Each of us are capable of change because mood, thoughts, and behaviors are all interconnected enabling a flexible perspective while building upon successes. As an integrationist, my therapeutic philosophy is cognitive-behavioral while drawing from trauma-informed strength-based practices. I work with individuals (including children, teens, and adults), couples, and families. I see clients in both Portland and Newberg. Let’s discuss what’s working and what isn’t. Part of our work will be identifying barriers while maintaining your health and safety. I'm certain you already have some of the skills you need to start moving towards your goals.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I hold a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Lewis & Clark College. As an undergraduate, I majored in Psychology and worked with teenagers in residential facilities for five years in the Philadelphia area. During that time, I provided skills training for children and teens with severe emotional and behavioral challenges and/or pervasive developmental disorders including Asperger’s Disorder (Autism Spectrum Disorder). As a pre-licensed professional counselor, I have spent an additional five years serving adults, children, and families in a therapeutic capacity in the areas of life transition, career counseling, school support, acculturation/racial identity, cultural advocacy, experienced abuse and/or neglect, PTSD, divorce, family conflict, anxiety and depression. I have experience engaging clients in mindfulness-based practices, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), collaborative problem solving (CPS), family systems, motivational interviewing, and person-centered approaches.