About Melissa Guard
I am trained and licensed as a mental health counselor and my graduate work was completed at Walden University in 2013.
I am trained as a Triple P Provider. What is TripleP? The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program® is one of the world’s most effective parenting programs. It is one of the few based on evidence from ongoing scientific research. Triple P works by giving parents the skills to raise confident, healthy children and teenagers, and to build stronger family relationships. It also helps parents manage misbehavior and prevent problems occurring in the first place.
See the following links for more information: Standard Triple P - Teen Triple P
I have also been trained as a court appointed special advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children and have been volunteering in this position since 1999. I am certified as a Daring Way Facilitator (CDWF), which is based on the research and work of Brené Brown. See more about Brené Brown's work here on my website.
Authenticity is my core value and something that I seek to provide to the counseling relationship, in that I believe it makes a positive difference for my clients. Unfortunately our culture has given us the inaccurate impression that being vulnerable is to be weak. In actuality, vulnerability is sharing with the intention to connect; it is about trust, intimacy, and connection.
I have an engaging, down to earth, straight forward style that will put you at ease with humor and empathy in order for us to commence a solid therapeutic relationship.
The Process
My approach to the therapeutic relationship is person centered and solution focused, with emphasis on cognitive behavioral approaches.
We will also explore and pay attention to family of origin issues. My style is collaborative, therefore interactive. I have found it helpful to be fairly straightforward. I ask a variety of questions, listen intently, provide feedback, and occasionally give homework.
Treatment is tailored to each person and together we discover what is helpful for you. My passion is working with both adolescents and adults to build a healthier and more enjoyable life. I have a very integrative style of counseling and enjoy finding what works best with each individual. My approach includes paying attention to biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of each client.
My goal is to help individuals, couples, and families create positive changes in their lives. I will work collaboratively with you to: identify negative patterns that bring distress to you, process and resolve past and present wounds, develop the skills or strategies necessary to create change, and apply these skills or strategies to improve emotional health, and build more satisfying relationships.