About Melanie Rease, LMFT - Melanie Reese LMFT

Hi, I’m Melanie!

I am the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Integrative Therapy of Nashville. A therapy collective that was created on the belief that mental health and healing occurs by treating the whole person. I partnered with fellow psychotherapist and friend, Leah Lennox, and intentionally sought out other practitioners with the same collaborative and holistic approach to healing. These practitioners specialize in different areas of Mental Health, Nutrition, Autoimmune & Gut Issues, Chronic Pain and other evidence-based Holistic Therapies.

I believe that our mind and body are deeply connected and have developed my unique approach to mental health wellness with these things in mind. I uses clinically tested and evidence-based interventions such as:

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
Brainspotting (BSP)
Animal Assisted Psychotherapy (AAP)
Trauma Informed Yoga and Mindfulness Practices

With extensive training in Trauma, Integrative Cognitive-Behavioral and Mindfulness Therapies, I work to empower individuals to overcome personal obstacles and make lasting changes!

Typical Issues Addressed in Sessions:

Affairs
Anxiety
Childhood Trauma
Coping Skills
Depression
Dissociation
Divorce
Emotional Abuse
Life Transitions
Mental, Social & Physical aspects of dealing with chronic pain conditions
Mood Related Challenges
PTSD
Relationship Dysfunction
Self-Worth/Self-Identity
Sexual Abuse/Assault
Spiritual Abuse
Trauma Rooted in Eating Disorders
Traumatic Grief (losing a loved one to suicide, losing someone suddenly)

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 training has 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, catching a restorative yoga class, spending time with my friends and watching Auburn football. I do believe that having coffee with girlfriends is a hobby! I’d love to know what yours are!

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
Masters and Post-Masters Clinical Therapist at The Refuge Center for Counseling
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) – Level 2 Trained
Brainspotting (BSP) Practitioner – Level 3 Trained
I-EMDR Migraine Headache/Chronic Pain Protocol
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional – CCTP
Level 1 Trauma Sensitive Yoga