LPC, LMFT
Melanie Barefield, LPC, LMFT
- Experience8 years
- LocationGeorgia
- Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Family
- Therapy approachesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Attachment-Based Therapy
Check the available next steps for working with Melanie online.
About Melanie
Melanie Barefield is a licensed counselor (LPC) and licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) who integrates relational and trauma-informed frameworks to help clients move toward clearer goals and healthier patterns.
Background and approach
With eight years of clinical experience in settings such as residential treatment, in-home counseling, church-based programs, and hospitals, she draws on a blend of family systems thinking and evidence-based techniques to address problems that often arise from family of origin wounds and traumatic histories.
Her work centers on listening first, then partnering with individuals and couples to identify meaningful change. She commonly uses cognitive behavioral strategies and trauma-focused methods when appropriate, and applies attachment- and family-based perspectives to improve how people relate to one another.
Melanie also brings training in relationship skills for couples and helps clients navigate concerns including stress, anxiety, grief, parenting challenges, mood disorders, compassion fatigue, and ADHD. Clients can expect a collaborative process that attends to both present-day coping and deeper relational dynamics.
She frames therapy as a partnership aimed at clearer direction and practical steps, and welcomes those ready to take the first step toward better functioning and greater wellbeing.
How evidence-based therapies translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients clarify personal values and take committed steps toward them while learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than being ruled by them; this approach can be useful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying patterns of thinking and behavior that maintain distress and teaching practical skills to change them, which is often helpful for depression, anxiety, and coping with everyday challenges. Trauma-Focused Therapy involves targeted strategies to process and reduce the impact of traumatic memories and reactions, supporting recovery from past trauma and improving daily functioning.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with clients to assess goals, preferences, and concerns and then tailors methods - often combining ACT, CBT, attachment, or trauma-focused techniques - to fit the individual’s needs rather than applying a single method rigidly.
Online sessions are offered by licensed professionals through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing for flexible scheduling and access from different locations within the therapist’s service area. These formats can make it easier to maintain consistency in care, practice skills between sessions, and fit therapy into a busy life while keeping treatment focused on achievable goals and skill-building.
Frequently asked questions
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
8+ years
Licensed
Georgia, Georgia
Languages
English
What Melanie can help with
Melanie Barefield works with clients on stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, anger management, and self esteem.
Melanie works with a range of clients.
Melanie works with relationships and works with individuals to cope with stressors that spring from family of origin issues.
Melanie works with couples.
How Melanie approaches therapy
Melanie's clinical approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
Melanie uses techniques from CBT.
Experience and training
Melanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in Georgia.