Ms. Melisa McTaggert LCSW

My journey to becoming a therapist deviated from the conventional trajectory of graduating high school and immediately pursuing higher education. I often laugh that I approached life in reverse by marrying and starting a family before embarking on my professional career much later. Despite this unconventional path, my aspiration to become a therapist was unwavering, driven by my innate ability to listen empathetically and provide a supportive space for others.

My personal experiences have profoundly shaped my approach to working with clients. I can empathize with clients who are navigating similar situations, offering them a sense of being understood and supported. This enables me to encourage and inspire clients who are dealing with health challenges or other significant life obstacles knowing that it is possible to overcome difficult circumstances. As a mom of three kids, I have firsthand knowledge of the joys and challenges of parenting. This allows me to relate to clients who are parents, offering practical advice and emotional support that is grounded in personal experience. I can share insights on balancing parenting responsibilities with self-care and personal growth. Having experienced tremendous grief and intense joy, I understand the wide spectrum of human emotions. This helps me connect with clients on a deeper emotional level, validating their feelings and experiences. I can guide them through their own journeys of grief and joy, providing a compassionate and understanding presence. When clients perceive that I genuinely comprehend their struggles based on my personal experiences, they tend to feel more at ease and willing to open up. This nurtures a deeper sense of trust and security within the therapeutic setting, reassuring them that vulnerability is not only acceptable but also essential for growth. It underscores the notion that confronting and overcoming our most profound challenges is often the catalyst for personal development.

When working with me, it's important for someone to know that I approach therapy with a genuine commitment to understanding and supporting them. I strive to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where they can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly. Collaboration is at the core of my therapeutic style—I believe in working together to set goals and develop strategies that resonate with their unique needs and preferences. Additionally, I bring a blend of empathy, insight, and practical guidance to our sessions, drawing from both my professional training and personal experiences. Overall, I aim to foster a therapeutic relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to growth and healing.

• Idaho, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 42878

I have been working as a Mental Health Therapist at Be Well Therapy Group of Idaho in Coeur d'Alene since March 2023. In this role, I provide therapeutic services to individuals and families, focusing on enhancing mental well-being through evidence-based practices. Before going into private practice at Be Well, I served as a Mental Health Therapist at Ambitions of Idaho, also in Coeur d’Alene, from August 2019 to June 2023. My responsibilities included conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and offering counseling services to clients with diverse mental health needs. In addition to my professional work, I've been deeply involved in volunteer activities. I served on the Board of Directors for North Idaho CASA from Fall 2020 to Spring 2024, where I held positions as President and Secretary. During my tenure, I contributed to the organization's mission of advocating for children in the foster care system by presiding over board meetings, creating meeting agendas, supervising all business affairs of the board, and acting as the primary contact for the group. Prior to this, I was a Court Appointed Special Advocate for North Idaho CASA from Fall 2017 to Fall 2020. In this role, I worked directly with children in the court system, advocating for their best interests and ensuring they received the necessary support and services. My professional and volunteer experiences have provided me with a well-rounded perspective on mental health and a deep commitment to supporting individuals and communities in need.