Works with
- Anger
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Depression
How Melissa works
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LPC
- Licensed in
- Virginia
- Years in practice
- 3
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Melissa
Melissa Wooden is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Virginia who uses a warm, straightforward style to help people manage stress, anxiety, anger, addictions, and low self-esteem. She focuses on clear, practical steps people can use between sessions. Her manner is nonjudgmental and focused on what the person needs right now.
With three years as a practicing counselor, she draws on several approaches to tailor sessions to each person.
Background and approach
Melissa blends client-centered methods with cognitive behavioral techniques and skills from dialectical behavior therapy. She works to make sessions collaborative, using short-term goals and tools that fit daily life. In sessions she listens first, then helps people identify thoughts and patterns that fuel distress.
Melissa uses exercises and simple homework to try out new behaviors and track what works. She also supports people who are coping with drug and alcohol problems by focusing on motivation and concrete steps forward. People often come for help with mood disorders, obsessive thoughts, social anxiety, isolation, or struggles around guilt and forgiveness.
Melissa also addresses communication problems and questions about life purpose when they come up. Her goal is to help people build skills for calmer reactions and clearer choices. Her style aims to be practical and respectful.
Sessions focus on small, doable changes that add up over time. Melissa encourages people to set realistic goals and to notice progress between appointments.
What Melissa works with
Everything Melissa lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Melissa's practice.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Communication problems
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Emptiness
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Mood disorders
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Social anxiety and phobia
Approaches Melissa lists
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Existential Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Approach-driven online therapy to manage anger and stress
Client-centered therapy places the person at the center of the work. The therapist listens closely and follows the person's pace, helping them name what matters and decide next steps. This approach supports people who want a respectful, empathetic space to talk through difficult feelings.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Sessions identify unhelpful thought patterns and teach simple exercises to test new ways of thinking and behaving. CBT is often useful for anxiety, anger, and low mood because it emphasizes clear skills to try between meetings.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, adds practical skills for managing strong emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness. It can help people notice triggers for anger and develop strategies for calmer responses and better communication.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. That plan can change over time as progress is made and new priorities appear.
Online sessions are offered by licensed professionals using video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video is useful for more in-depth conversations and interactive exercises. Phone sessions can fit a short break from work or require less bandwidth. Live chat and text messaging make it easier to check in between meetings and maintain small daily steps. These options give flexibility so therapy can fit into real life.
Questions people ask about Melissa
What kinds of concerns does Melissa address?
She works with stress, anxiety, anger, addictions, low self-esteem, and depression. Additional areas include obsessive thoughts, social anxiety, isolation, communication problems, and questions about life purpose.
What is her therapy style like?
Sessions are warm and nonjudgmental and focus on practical steps. Melissa emphasizes collaboration and short-term goals that fit daily life.
What experience does she bring to sessions?
Melissa has three years of clinical experience working as a counselor. She has supported people dealing with mood issues, substance concerns, and anxiety-related problems.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds the LPC credential, which stands for Licensed Professional Counselor, and practices in Virginia.
Can non-US clients work with her?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
Which session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging as ways to meet with a therapist.
How are costs handled?
Costs vary by location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on therapist availability.