Mrs. Melody Hulitt-Pillow

LMSW-C, LCSW

The reason why I became a therapist is based on my own personal journey- I am a survivor of childhood trauma. I am intimately aware of how trauma destroys happiness. Parental abandonment, witnessing domestic violence, being abused, and neglected throughout my childhood caused me pain and suffering. Until I found healing through counseling trauma disrupted my ability to function. With trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT) I have found serenity, self-empowerment, and self-love. So, if you are ready to do the trauma work let me be your guide in your healing journey. Likewise, you too can achieve peace of mind, be healthier, and have a happier life.

My treatment approach is rooted in neurodivergent psychology therapy practices which encompasses a Mind-Body-Spiritual Holistic faith model. This means that I use modeling and coaching to educate you on how to use mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, and other coping tools for daily stress, cope with upsetting situations, and changing negative behaviors.

In therapy, success can look different for each client, depending on their personal goals and challenges. However, there are some common indicators of progress that both the therapist and client can observe: Symptom Reduction: I use evidence-based measurements such as tools like the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 to help measure reductions in depression and anxiety. When scores on these scales decrease, it's an objective sign of improvement. Improved Emotional Regulation: Clients might find that they can better manage strong emotions, whether it's through mindfulness techniques, cognitive restructuring, or other strategies. They might feel less overwhelmed or more in control. Achievement of Treatment Goals: Success can be seen in the client’s progress toward specific treatment goals. For example, they may reduce reliance on alcohol or emotional eating, improve self-care routines, or develop healthier coping mechanisms. Behavioral Changes: Positive changes in behavior, such as improved communication, healthier relationships, and setting better boundaries, often indicate progress. Increased Self-Awareness: A client may show more insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This self-awareness often leads to more informed decisions and better self-understanding. Greater Resilience: Progress can be seen in how clients cope with setbacks or stressful situations. If they bounce back quicker or handle challenges in healthier ways, it’s a sign of growth. Improved Quality of Life: Success in therapy often leads to an overall improvement in life satisfaction. Clients may report feeling more at peace, having more energy, or enjoying things they previously couldn’t. Clients often know they are making progress when they feel empowered to face situations that used to feel daunting or overwhelming and when they notice positive changes in their daily lives. I incorporate other types of methods or check-ins alongside the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 to track progress.