Melissa Maynes, LMHC, LMFT

Melissa Maynes is a licensed mental health counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist practicing in Washington. She has 15 years of clinical experience and works with people facing anxiety, depression, addiction concerns, grief, relationship struggles, and parenting stress. Melissa aims for straightforward, respectful conversations to help people take practical next steps.

She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside motivational interviewing and elements of narrative and solution-focused work. In sessions she helps people identify patterns of thinking and behavior, set achievable goals, and try small, testable changes. Sessions emphasize collaboration and clear tools rather than long lectures.

Melissa describes her style as open and nonjudgmental. She focuses on building a working relationship where people feel comfortable saying what they really think. Therapy time is framed around the client’s priorities and pace.

She has experience supporting people through life transitions such as divorce, career change, and recovery from substance use. Melissa also addresses deeper themes like attachment, abandonment, guilt, and forgiveness when those issues come up in sessions. Her approach combines short-term strategies with attention to the stories people tell about themselves.

People who choose Melissa can expect practical skill-building, collaborative goal setting, and tailored plans to meet current needs. She encourages small steps and tracks progress so therapy stays focused and useful.

How Melissa Uses Practical Approaches Online

Melissa draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. CBT sessions often involve identifying specific patterns, testing small changes, and practicing skills between meetings to reduce anxiety and improve mood.

She also uses Motivational Interviewing to help people clarify what matters to them and build internal reasons for change. This approach is useful when someone feels stuck or uncertain about choices like reducing substance use or making a big life change.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Melissa will talk with each person about their goals and preferences, then suggest techniques to try. She checks progress together and adjusts the plan if something isn’t working.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video sessions let people work face to face when schedules allow. Phone sessions can be easier on lower bandwidth days or for shorter check-ins. Live chat and messaging are helpful for brief updates, homework review, or when a written format feels more comfortable. These options aim to make therapy more flexible and easier to fit into a busy life.