Melissa Cooper

LCSW, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor

You may feel nervous about meeting the first time. That is a normal feeling before starting therapy. I will do my best to help you feel comfortable. The first appointment is the initial evaluation. We wilI get to know each other, and I will gather the information that helps determine what issues are going on that need to be the focus of treatment. We talk about the goals you have for counseling, your strengths, and the different types of counseling I provide. The first session lasts about 60 minutes. After that, appointments range from 50 - 60 minutes per session. We will discuss the frequency of sessions that I recommend, and then you can decide if the plan I recommend works for you. Typically, I recommend that we meet weekly for 4-6 sessions and switch to bi-weekly meetings thereafter. The counseling relationship is an important part of your treatment and weekly meetings (in the beginning) allow us to become acquainted and develop a strong working relationship.

In my approach, the key components of the therapeutic relationship include a trusting alliance between the therapist and client and the therapists unconditional and positive regard toward the client. My approach comes from a place of acceptance of the client for who they are and providing the support and care that they need to make decisions that are right for them.

My personal experiences offer a framework to use when working with clients. I have applied a 12-step framework that has provided me with growth experiences and created a passion for helping others to experience self-awareness, acceptance, and personal growth in their own life. I am inspired by the process of recovery and change every day, and I get to share in my clients own recovery and personal growth, which is an honor!