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 body. 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, Physical Therapy, Medication Management (including Psych-Oncology) 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 in you, painting, art/theatre/comedy shows, being outdoors with my dog, 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 II Trained
- Brainspotting (BSP) Practitioner – Level I Trained
- I-EMDR Migraine Headache/Chronic Pain Protocol
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional – CCTP
- Level 1 Trauma Sensitive Yoga
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
- NAACC: Nashville Area Association Of Christian Counselors
- Pet Partners International
- MCPP: Music City Pet Partners
- SEBI – Southeast Brainspotting Institute
