Melissa Smith, LCSW, CCTP, EMDR-C
Director and Outpatient Trauma Therapist
Melissa graduated from Elizabethtown College with her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in 2006. She then graduated from Temple University with her Master of Social Work in 2009, with a specialization in child welfare and clinical treatment. She went on to earn her License in Social Work in 2009. She completed her License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW) and Complex Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-I) Certification in 2022, her certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR-C) in 2023, and is currently completing her CCTP-II and beginning her work to become an EMDR Consultant. Melissa wholeheartedly believes in a relational approach in which clients understand she is not perfect and does not expect perfection from anyone else. Melissa believes we are all a work in progress with room to grow. Melissa places high value on relationship and rapport with her clients and wants to be sure you have the right fit to be open and honest with your therapist.
Melissa specializes in working with adults and some children who have experienced trauma of all kinds including growing up in a toxic environment, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, ongoing childhood complex trauma, and exposure to traumatic events. Melissa utilizes a variety of approaches including EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, Internal Family Systems, Somatic Awareness, among others. Melissa believes in a kind and direct approach that promotes different perspectives and an awareness of self. She believes in teaching skills to help clients use skills independently and be able to grow and achieve their goals.
Melissa has four children who keep her very busy. She understands how busy, chaotic, and stressful life with young children can be. She finds time to relax and refresh by being outside in nature, listening to music, reading, spending time with friends, and trying to keep the chaos in her home to a minimum.