Support for Foster, Adoptive, and Neurodiverse Families—From a Therapist Who Gets It

Trauma-informed counseling for families navigating trauma and adversity, rooted in both professional training and lived experience—serving Spokane and beyond.

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M Y M I S S I O N

Parenting isn’t for the faint of heart, especially when your journey includes big emotions that feel overwhelming. If you’re exhausted, stuck in survival mode, or wondering why love alone doesn’t seem to be enough, you’re not alone and you’re in the right place.

Staying in survival mode may feel “normal,” but it doesn’t have to be your family’s forever.

Individual Counseling

Trauma-informed support to help you process hard experiences, reconnect with yourself, and move toward healing.

Parent & Caregiver Coaching

Practical, real-life strategies for supporting children through trauma, adversity, and neurodivergence—at home or virtually.

Family Connection Sessions

Guided experiences designed to strengthen relationships, build safety, and support healing together.

You’ll receive practical tools, honest encouragement, and a safe, judgment-free space to process your journey. I blend professional expertise with real-life experience as an adoptive mom, advocate, and survivor of my own hard seasons—so you don’t feel like just another case file.

T R A I N I N G , C R E D E N T I A L S & E X P E R I E N C E

LMHC

LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
WA Department of Health

EMDR

TRAINED
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

The Process:

1. CONNECT

Start by joining my email list or reaching out to learn what support options are currently available.

2. EXPLORE

We’ll identify what kind of support makes the most sense for you—now or in the future.

3. HEAL & GROW

Through therapy, coaching, or resources, we work step-by-step toward healing and connection.

4. BUILD FORWARD

You gain tools, clarity, and support that extend far beyond our time together.

Take the First Step

MEND ~ HEAL ~ GROW

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MEND ~ HEAL ~ GROW ✸

MEND ~ HEAL ~ GROW

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MEND ~ HEAL ~ GROW ✸

  • “Melissa is kind, considerate, and compassionate. I enjoyed sharing with her and felt heard. She was wonderful to work with. Everything was perfect!”

    — Rayna O.

  • “I can not say enough good things about Melissa and her work. She approached each session with grace and empathy but also challenged me while offering practical tools to help along the way. The changes it has made with me and my family are priceless and I am so so grateful.”

    — Ciara A.

  • “I loved working with Melissa for several reasons. One, she was dependable and flexible on location. Two, she was coming from a place of compassion, allowing her to meet me in whatever place I was at any given moment. Three, she comes with extensive professional and personal experience. She knows her stuff and only wants the best for you and your child. She is full of good, practical tips and doesn’t mind reminding you when you forget! She was often equipped with helpful books and games that would reinforce her passion to mend families. She’s delightful, I’d choose her as a friend and mentor any day!”

    — Mandy P.

  • “Working with Melissa was an easy and enjoyable experience. She’s thoughtful and knowledgeable and a wonderful communicator. We enjoyed working with her. She made our kids feel important and valued and easy to talk to. She was very respectful of time constraints and so easy to work with. We have never had anything like this before but it was easy and enjoyable. We would highly recommend Melissa and Mending Families!!”

    — Chris T.

  • “In Melissa's Connected Parenting Through Play workshop, she led parents and guardians through a guided model to understand how they can leverage literacy and play to help their children unpack and experience big feelings. Families provided positive feedback and asked for additional opportunities to work with Melissa in the future!”

    — Betz Elementary

ABOUT ME

I desire families to heal.

I’m Melissa, and I’m passionate about helping families find hope and healing.

As a mom of four, a TBRI® Practitioner, and someone actively working toward EMDR certification, I bring both personal experience and professional expertise to every session. I’ve walked the path of trauma-informed parenting myself, and I’m always learning—whether through advanced trainings or the real-life lessons my own family teaches me every day. When you work with me, you’ll find warmth, honesty, and a genuine commitment to helping your family thrive.

Learn more

T R U S T E D B Y :

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