Melissa BoudinLicensed Psychologist

Determining goals in therapy is truly a collaborative process. When you begin therapy, we will take time to not only discuss the issues or difficulties you are experiencing, but also to discuss the ways in which you would like life to look different. This is essentially asking, what does feeling better look like to you? The answer to this question is something I often help with, as it may sometimes be difficult for my clients to see forward to what type of change is possible in therapy. Once goals are established, we will begin taking steps toward them. Each session will be an opportunity to speak about where you are at, what you are feeling, and to determine next steps toward your goals. To aid in progress I will often send clients home with tasks to engage in between sessions. This is an opportunity for my clients to try out the skills we have talked about in therapy, and then, during the next session, to discuss what is working and where difficulties arose, using that information to create the next steps. This is where progress toward wellness is created, and positive, healthy change begins!

I believe many people are hesitant to begin therapy because they don’t know where to start, or what to say, or are nervous about talking to someone they have just met about subjects that are often vulnerable and difficult to talk about. I also believe some people are unsure of what to expect from therapy, while others are fearful of judgment, and others are concerned about the confidentiality of what they discuss with their therapist. What I wish for people to know is that therapy is a safe and confidential space that is by design free of judgment. I also want people to know that it is my job is to help you get started, help guide you in what to say or what to talk about, and to create a place where you will be invited and encouraged to develop a healthy, trusting relationship, one where you can be vulnerable, open, and honest, without fear of judgment. The place I strive to create for my clients is a truly a space of freedom to be you, and your personal space for change, help, and healing, where you will learn to develop the very best parts of you.

Two aspects of my outlook on life that have greatly impacted my treatment philosophy are 1) a belief that focusing energy on that which we can control in our lives can create positive impact, and 2) a belief that each individual possesses natural strengths that can aid in their own healing. In many cases, the wellness of my clients has been negatively impacted by feelings of a lack of control over their current situation. In therapy I work to with my clients to identify areas of their life where they do have or can regain control, and then work to focus positive energy and time into those areas. Additionally, I work with clients to identify their natural strengths or abilities for healing. Often these are unintentionally given less focus or attention when one experiences stress or wellness related issues, which can cause feelings of lost control and hopelessness for change. Ultimately, by focusing in on areas within ones control and on personal strengths where one can excel, my clients gain a sense of empowerment, which often leads to increased wellness, confidence, and hope for the future.

• California, Licensed Psychologist, PSY26430

My career as a psychologist began 11 years ago, working in a hospital setting as a therapist for people who were in crisis, including people who were suicidal, in danger of harming others, or experiencing serious turmoil in life. In the years I spent working with people in these very difficult situations, I saw a real need for more effective preventative care, or care focused on preventing the types of mental health crises I was seeing daily from occurring. Seeing this need encouraged my shift into working in community mental health, where I spent the next five years of my career focusing on this type of preventative mental health care. My work included developing community education programs that informed people about common mental health issues, their warning signs, and when to seek care. I also provided individual therapy to people experiencing various types of depression and anxiety, trauma, and life transition issues. It was in this position that I developed and refined my current approach, combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and strength-based techniques in treatment. Two years ago I expanded into private practice, further focusing my practice in working with people experiencing depression, anxiety, work/life/family stress, life transition issues, and loss and grief related issues, while continuously educating myself and evolving my practice in these areas.