Melissa Tomecek (she/her)

My Background and Approach

I have a background in mental health counseling, working with individuals facing severe and persistent mental illness, depression, anxiety, attachment issues, and disordered eating. Over time, my focus has narrowed to complex trauma, helping clients navigate the deep, often unseen wounds that shape their emotions, relationships, and sense of self. I understand that trauma is not just about the events that happened but also about the way those experiences continue to live in the body and mind. My approach to therapy is integrative, relational, and deeply client-centered. I draw from psychodynamic therapy to explore unconscious patterns, humanistic therapy to foster self-acceptance, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients build a compassionate relationship with all parts of themselves. I also use EMDR to help process traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional intensity and promotes healing. Above all, I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship.

Why I Became a Therapist

I became a therapist because I believe in the power of understanding, connection, and healing. From an early age, I was drawn to the complexities of human emotions and the ways our past experiences shape who we are. I saw how unprocessed pain and trauma can impact every aspect of life, and I knew I wanted to help people find clarity, self-compassion, and growth. My passion for this work deepened as I witnessed how transformative the therapeutic process can be—how feeling truly seen and heard can open the door to profound change. I am especially drawn to working with complex trauma because I understand that healing is not just about coping but about reclaiming a sense of self that may have felt lost. Becoming a therapist was never just a career choice for me; it was a calling to create a space where people feel safe enough to explore, process, and ultimately find the strength to move forward.