(#235) How Couples Counseling Works for Therapist in Private Practice With Melissa C., LMFT
What should we expect from couples counseling? What does the actual work look like? Melissa, one of our alumni from the Dope Therapist Academy, shares some of the things you need to know about couples therapy.
In this episode, Melissa and I have a rich conversation about how she runs her private practice business, specifically on couples counseling. Listen as Melissa takes us through her approach to couples who want to seek counseling individually, how she does her intake for couples in a heterosexual relationship, and how she deals with potential clients beyond her licensed state. She also shares some of her marketing tactics to attract her ideal clients and the best practices every therapist should follow for a successful client treatment.
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Guest Bio:
Melissa has 15 years of experience working with couples, individuals, and groups. Melissa has a private practice, Heartfelt Counseling Center, focusing on interpersonal relationship concerns, where she provides individual counseling, couples counseling and clinical training for therapists on these topics. Melissa has experience working in college counseling centers focusing on work with young adults where one of the top concerns are relationship issues. Melissa started her career working in community mental health and non-profit agencies including Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault agencies, where she received training in identifying unhealthy and toxic dynamics in relationships.
Melissa has a passion working with individuals and couples with diverse backgrounds and believes in the importance of multiculturalism. Melissa is active in increasing diversity awareness as the Diversity Chair for the Central Florida Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (CFAMFT) where she helps put together panel discussions on topics such as Black Mental Health, Asian Mental Health and Cross Cultural Couples Counseling.
Melissa received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Master's of Science Degree and Education Specialist Degree in Mental Health Counseling at Florida State University. Melissa holds licenses and certifications as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and National Certified Counselor. Melissa is also a Qualified Supervisor.
Episode Timeline:
- Introduction to Melissa and her journey through psychology (03:36)
- On Melissa's grad school experience: To find a specialty or to go general? (07:58)
- What made her go into private practice? (13:51)
- Melissa talks about her ideal client (22:17)
- How does she handle couples who want to come in individually? (29:03)
- How does she run her private practice business for couples counseling? (37:38)
- How should therapists deal with couples seeking therapy from a state they're not licensed in? (45:12
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