- Client-centered approach
- Practical skill building
- Experience with eating issues
About Melissa
Melissa Madriaga welcomes people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or big life changes. She helps those struggling with mood concerns, eating and body-image issues, addictions, anger, and relationship or family problems. Melissa writes plainly and aims to make the first steps feel manageable.
Melissa is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Wisconsin. She earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University in 2015 and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Marian University in 2010. She also served seven years in the United States Army Reserves and has work experience supporting people who were incarcerated or experiencing homelessness.
Her work is informed by Client-Centered Therapy and cognitive behavioral approaches. She uses mindfulness and narrative ideas as tools to help people notice patterns, try small changes, and tell their stories in new ways. Sessions focus on practical steps, clearer thinking, and building skills that fit everyday life.
Melissa has eight years of counseling experience and additional training related to eating concerns. She describes her approach as open minded and grounded in fairness to underserved and marginalized communities. She combines direct problem-solving with a supportive, respectful tone.
Outside of practice she is a single mother and enjoys hiking, biking, and exploring Wisconsin. To begin, follow the site Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a time that works for you.
How Melissa uses client-centered and cognitive approaches online
Melissa blends Client-Centered Therapy with cognitive behavioral ideas to help people make practical changes and feel heard. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding a person's experience and offering nonjudgmental support so they can find their own direction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and uses small, doable steps to change them.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will listen to your goals and try methods that match your needs and preferences. Together you will check what helps and adjust the plan as you go.
Session options are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online session formats before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when schedules require them. It also makes it simpler to maintain momentum between meetings by continuing skill practice in daily routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
8+ years
Listed in
Wisconsin
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Melissa help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, eating and body-image issues, addictions, anger, and coping with life changes. Other focus areas include relationship and family problems, parenting strain, trauma and abuse, and related concerns.
What is her approach to therapy?
Her work uses Client-Centered Therapy alongside cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and narrative methods. Sessions tend to combine listening, practical skill building, and work to reframe personal stories.
What background and experience does she have?
Melissa has eight years of counseling experience and past work with incarcerated and homeless populations. She also served seven years in the United States Army Reserves.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and practices in Wisconsin. Her graduate degree is a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are costs and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist scheduling. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Melissa?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.