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LPC

Melissa Smith, LPC

  • Experience23 years
  • LocationMissouri
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Self esteem
  • Therapy approachesClient-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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About Melissa

Melissa Smith is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) practicing in Missouri with 23 years of clinical experience.

Background and approach

She focuses on helping people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, mood disorders including bipolar, and life transitions while also addressing concerns such as addictions, relationship and family strains, trauma and grief, and ADHD. Her background includes work with issues related to intimacy, parenting, career challenges, caregiver stress, and workplace difficulties.

She uses a collaborative, nonjudgmental stance that encourages clients to explore their feelings and goals. Melissa draws from a range of evidence-informed methods to tailor sessions to each person’s needs, helping clients build practical coping skills, increase self-esteem, and find clearer direction.

Her practice also attends to complex emotional experiences like guilt, shame, codependency, and isolation while offering support for forgiveness, life purpose, and compassion fatigue. Clients who value a supportive listener and pragmatic strategies can expect a partnership focused on empowerment and change.

Melissa frames progress as a step-by-step process and helps people identify strengths and realistic next steps toward improved well-being.

How Melissa’s Approaches Translate to Online Work

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and tailoring sessions to each person’s priorities; it helps people feel heard and shapes goals around what matters most. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, offering concrete skills for managing anxiety, depression, and stress. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and calming techniques that can reduce reactivity and support emotional regulation.

Finding the best approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Melissa works collaboratively to determine which methods fit a client’s needs, goals, and preferences. She combines practical strategies and reflective exploration so the plan can shift as progress unfolds and priorities change.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules and to continue work during life transitions. These formats allow licensed professionals to provide consistent, skills-focused care and ongoing support while making access more convenient for clients who prefer remote appointments.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?
She works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, ADHD, and many related life challenges.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her approach is client-centered and collaborative, combining practical skill-building with exploration of emotions and patterns to help clients meet their goals.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings 23 years of professional experience supporting clients through mood disorders, life transitions, caregiver stress, and workplace and relationship concerns.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She holds the LPC credential with license number MO LPC 2017019228 and practices in Missouri.
Can she work with people who speak other languages or live abroad?
Sessions are offered in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Therapy is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How are costs and scheduling handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin working together?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyEmptinessForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersPost-traumatic stressWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

23+ years

Licensed

Missouri

Languages

English