Melissa McKinney, LCSW-BACS
licensed clinical social worker-Board approved clinical supervisor
Do you struggle with depression?
Does shame and guilt have you frozen?
Do you feel overwhelmed or weighed down by anxiety, fear, self-doubt, or insecurity?
If you are tired of being tired, then I am here to help. If you are struggling to know what to do with the pain you feel, then I want to help you find a way through it. I will work with you to solve whatever problems you find yourself facing to assist you in recognizing the strengths you have within and developing the skills you need to find your way to happiness and confidence.
Shame, guilt, and self-doubt often grow when we are not able to express our true thoughts and feelings in a safe space. I want to be that safe space for you. You can move past the hurt and pain you feel to a place of peace.
I have worked with individuals suffering with different challenges such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety, assault, spirituality, self-esteem, ADHD, ADD, and life changes.
I would count it an honor to join you in your journey towards being the best that you can be and support you in reaching your personal goals.
“We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.” – Brene Brown
PROVIDES IN-PERSON THERAPY AT THE ALEXANDRIA, LA, OFFICE AND ONLINE COUNSELING IN LOUISIANA
Professional experience
*Master’s Degree in Social Work from Louisiana State University (2012)
*Experience in providing counseling and behavioral interventions to children and adolescents, and trauma-informed education through the Rapides Parish School System
*Training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
*Experience in counseling men and women experiencing difficulties with stress, trauma, addictions, attention disorders, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder
*Experience as Team Leader in Assertive Community Treatment.
specialty Areas
- Trauma
- Depression
- Life Transitions
- Self-Esteem
- Stress Management
- Anger Management
- Christian Counseling
- Grief
about me
I never had any desire to counsel or help others through hurts and pains until I saw my best friend, who worked as a program director for a girls group home, love and counsel young teenagers. Moved with compassion and feeling like this could be my purpose, I remember asking her, “Do you think I could do this?” With her gentle smile, she said, “Sure you could!” Those words and other experiences planted seeds that would lead me to obtain my masters degree in Social Work.
I have interned and worked in many different settings as a social worker/counselor and pastor. As a counselor, working with clients with severe mental illness, who sometimes have experienced great amounts of trauma, brought the greatest challenges and greatest joys. I love helping clients to “develop a toolbox” to be overcomers and take control of their personal lives.
When I’m not helping others, I enjoy spending time with my husband, 3 children, and dog, Sam.