Melissa Mainini, MSW, LCSW

Therapy allows us time and space to find and love ourselves, and then to allow ourselves to be known and loved by others.

I describe the therapeutic process much like cleaning out under your bed after a few years (or a decade) of shoving everything you don’t want (or know how) to deal with underneath. It’s messy. And it’s going to look and feel worse before it looks and feels better. When we develop the tools to process, organize, and reintegrate our experiences, we gain greater capacity to understand and create who we are. We learn which things are integral and which things we can let go of to make room for what is greater.

In session to help clients do this exploratory work, I utilize an integrative approach. I incorporate concepts and skills from both "top-down," or cognitive-based therapies, like CBT and DBT, from "bottom-up" therapies, like Somatic Experiencing, and from theories, like Attachment theory and Polyvagal theory, which incorporate both approaches.

I create a space that is warm and casual, but conversation is intentional. I often bring personal anecdotes into sessions, and I welcome sarcasm, dark humor, and expressive language. I prioritize your feelings and your concerns are given the levity and space needed.

Clinical Areas of Interest

I work with clients living with all kinds of mental health concerns, and especially enjoy supporting clients struggling with:

• Adolescent and Family therapy  

• Relational trauma and or/attachment wounds

• Identity development and exploration

• Self-confidence/self-worth/self-compassion

• Emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness

Professional Experiences

For a therapist, the learning process doesn’t end at graduation. I am always striving to stay up to date with the latest research and learn new clinical practices. I am committed to continuing to develop expertise by attending trainings and earning certifications in specialized areas, including but not limited to the following:

• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II: (CCTP-II) (coming soon)

• Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) (coming soon)

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Truman State University in 2015,  my Master of Social Work  from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2017, and my LCSW in 2022.

Throughout my career, I have worked alongside families in crisis as a Crisis Intervention Specialist, and supported individuals during mental health crises as a member of the Care Coordination team on an inpatient psychiatric unit, and as a Therapist in an intensive outpatient (IOP) program.

Take Your Next Step

I offer flexible availability, both in-person and virtual, to fit within your busy schedule. To contact me directly, please email melissa@cozychaircounseling.com.