Melanie Reese, LMFT, CCTP (she/her)

My Approach

Melanie’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that every individual holds the innate capacity to heal. She views her role as a therapist not as a fixer, but as a guide and space-holder—someone who helps clients reconnect with their own internal wisdom. Her work is grounded in a neuro-experiential framework, combining somatic practices, trauma-informed bodywork, and advanced brain-based therapies.

Unlike traditional weekly therapy sessions, Melanie offers Trauma TheTrauma Therapy Intensive for Individualsrapy Intensives tailored to individuals seeking deeper healing experiences. Her intensives are designed to regulate the nervous system and facilitate the processing of trauma using modalities like EMDR, Brainspotting, and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.

Her approach is collaborative, honest, and grounded in real connection. Clients often describe her style as both direct and deeply compassionate, with a touch of humor—and the added comfort of a therapy dog curled up nearby.

Think of me as another tool in your toolbox to help clients or therapists reach their therapeutic goals!I do not meet with clients in the typical 1-hour, weekly session format. I offer Trauma Therapy Intensives to individuals that live in or travel to the state of Tennessee. Intensives focus on regulating the client’s nervous system (where trauma is stored) and processing trauma with the modalities listed above.  Depending on the client’s specific needs and goals, they may choose a Multi-Day Intensive, Extended Therapy Sessions (typically 1.5-2 hours) or Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.

Modalities Used

• Certified Brainspotting Practitioner + Consultant
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS) / Parts Work
• Somatic Therapy
• Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
• Psychedelic Integration & Harm Reduction
• Trauma-Informed Yoga & Body Movement
• Meditation & Mindfulness
• Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy

How Do I Know If This is the Right Fit?

Often times, clients have tried traditional talk therapies and did not see the benefits they were looking for. My clients are typically working with a primary therapist and have created a strong foundation to their healing process, but are ready to dig deep and resolve issues that have been a struggle for many years.

Areas of Focus

• Complex & Developmental Trauma
• PTSD
• Chronic Pain & Somatic Conditions
• Attachment Wounding
• Grief & Traumatic Loss
• Sexual Abuse & Assault
• Religious & Spiritual Trauma
• Ancestral & Intergenerational Trauma
• Identity, Self-Worth & Life Transitions
• Preparation & Integration for Psychedelic Experiences

Therapy Sessions With Me

My style of therapy may be a little different from your typical therapist. As my client, I view you as the expert on your life. I do not view myself as the “know it all” in the room. I have some valuable information that my trainings have afforded me, but your life experiences are just as valuable to the work we will do together. We are a team in this process.

I am straight forward, honest and do not sugar coat things, which my clients have come to value in our sessions. I often have clients tell me “I knew it was something I needed to bring up in session because I didn’t want to hear your honest answer about it!” I like to throw in humor when I can, as I think laughter is good for the soul. We have hot coffee or tea, take our shoes off and pull our feet up, if it’s that kind of day… And one of my therapy dogs will most likely be curled up at your feet or snuggled on the couch next to you! I want you to have conversations you aren’t having or have been afraid to have out in the world, in the most safe environment possible. 

A Little About Me

I have lived in Nashville since 2002 and consider this home. My favorite forms of self care are watching movies that hit every emotion, painting, art/theatre/comedy shows, interior decorating, being outdoors with my dogs and spending time with my partner and friends. I also LOVE plants and currently have 60+ under my care!

I also co-host the podcast “I’m Fine, It’s Fine” with comedian Amber Autry. We talk with each other, guest comedians, practitioners and entertainers about personal experiences of trauma and mental health.

Education & Trainings

• Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University
•  Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional – CCTP
• Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) – Level 2 Trained
• Certified Brainspotting (BSP) Practitioner
• Brainspotting Consultant – Certifying practitioners in the modality
• Brainspotting Levels 1-5
• Body Spotting – Brainspotting Trauma and Chronic Conditions in the Body
• Generational Brainspotting with Somatic Archeology and Epigenetics
• Brainspotting Master Class with creator, David Grand: Neuro-Experiential Model for Complex Trauma, Attachment and Dissociation
• Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) – MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy
• Psychedelic Coalition for Health: Psychedelic Assisted Therapy & Integration Training + Psychedelic Medicine Education & Advocacy
• Polaris Insight Center – Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (ongoing training)
• I-EMDR Migraine Headache/Chronic Pain Protocol
• Level 1 Trauma Sensitive Yoga
• AAMFT Approved Supervisor
• End of Life Psychedelic Care

Experience Specific to Psychedelic Work

Melanie has received extensive training in psychedelic-assisted therapy, including over 300 hours of facilitating Ketamine-Assisted Therapy sessions. She has trained with respected leaders in the field including Rick Doblin, Carl Hart, and Sunny Strasburg, and has been a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt School of Nursing to speak on the Clinical use of Ketamine for Mental Health.

She is active in local and international psychedelic consultation groups. Melanie also offers workshops and supervision for therapists supporting clients exploring psychedelic medicine.

Affiliations & Associations

• AAMFT: American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
• TAMFT: Tennessee Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
• ACA: American Counseling Association
• IATP: International Association of Trauma Professionals
• NPI: Nashville Psychotherapy Institute
• Pet Partners International
• MCPP: Music City Pet Partners
• SEBI – Southeast Brainspotting Institute

Fees & Scheduling

Sessions are base on the standard 50-minute therapy hour.

• 45 min Initial Consultation & Treatment Planning Session: $150
• 1-hr Therapy Session: $200
• 1.5-hr Therapy Session: $300
• 2-hr Therapy Session: $400
• Hourly Rate for Multi-day Intensives: $250
• Consultations for Client Cases and Professional/Business Development: $75/30-min; $150/60-min
• Individual Supervision for Licensure: $100 per clinical hour
• Group Supervision and Consultation: $35 per clinical hour
• Brainspotting Practice & Consultation Group: $125 (2.5 hrs)

Ready to Get Connected?

To get started, please complete this CLIENT PRESCREEN. You may also email our Client Care Coordinator at admin@traumatherapynashville.com.