Melissa DeForest (she/her)

My Background

My experience in the mental health field started in 2012, where I began my work in higher levels of eating disorder treatment (residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient). Most recently, I served as Regional Director of Clinical Services for Monte Nido, where I oversaw all five treatment facilities in the state of Oregon. In this time, I gained extensive experience working with teens, adults, and families going through the eating disorder recovery journey, and am a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist-Consultant. My graduate training is in working with intimate partners and families, and I believe wholeheartedly that communication and connection is essential to the healing process. I am trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy, an evidence based approach to trauma. I am a registered supervisor for LPC and LMFT Associates in the state of Oregon. In addition to Oregon, I am licensed to see clients virtually in California and Washington.

My Approach to Helping

I believe healing happens through relationships. My approach integrates attachment theory and emotion-focused therapy, focusing on authentic communication, emotional expression, and systemic change. I view each person as unique, shaped by their context, and believe behavior makes sense when considering one's life experiences. I help clients explore how unique systems, past experiences, and identities influence their lives, and collaboratively set goals for growth. As a HAES-informed, anti-diet, fat-positive provider, I am committed to respecting all bodies and challenging harmful societal expectations. I prioritize building strong, trustworthy, and collaborative relationships with my clients in order to support a safe space for emotional exploration, conflict resolution, and trauma processing. I believe in the possibility of change and growth for each of my clients. I see therapy as an opportunity for connection and I bring empathy, transparency, and humor to the space.