Melissa Smith

Melissa is known for her warm, empathic & empowering style as she creates a safe, affirming space for her clients and collaborates with them throughout the counseling journey. She specializes in resolving soul wounds & trauma symptoms at the root level as a 12STR certified facilitator (traumaeducation.com) in addition to assisting those struggling with codependency & relationship concerns; life changes, stress & transitions; grief & loss; communication & conflict resolution; parenting concerns; depression & anxiety from a biblical counseling perspective; burn out & soul care; discernment as it relates to life’s crossroads; and spiritual issues & questions or those desiring spiritual direction & formation. She also provides pre-marital counseling & marriage enrichment using Prepare-Enrich (prepare-enrich.com) assessments & interventions as a trained facilitator. She is able to see clients from all 50 states & can even see international clients over the computer.

"Not only do I have the education, training & experience to assist you as a Christian counselor with over a decade providing Christian counseling services, but just as importantly, the heart to journey with you. I know what it’s like to not just be in an emotional and spiritual wilderness, but to have come out on the other side with my faith stronger & more vibrant than before. You want a Christian counselor whose professional life flows out of who she is as a person- not just a dispenser of techniques. I’ve helped countless counselees experience healing, hope, breakthrough, freedom, growth, greater integration & wholeness because I honor the ministry of the Holy Spirit in counseling as your true Helper & Healer!"

Additionally, as a former 8-year police veteran who found her passion for counseling while involved in police work- she is uniquely equipped to counsel those in law enforcement. Given her background in ministry, she also has a heart for those in ministry who need a safe, confidential space to unpack & process although she loves seeing adults of all ages & backgrounds. Melissa accepts self-pay only (cash, check or credit card) as she is not on any insurance panels. 

Melissa is a Board Certified Christian Counselor through the Board of Christian Professional & Pastoral Counselors & the former Ministry Director here at ELCCC. She has a MA in Human Services Counseling with an emphasis in Addiction & Recovery & a BS in Psychology with a minor in Christian Counseling. She transferred here in 2020 from an out-of-state ministry where she was providing counseling since 2014.