Melissa McHenry

Melissa McHenry is a licensed counselor in Illinois with 23 years of experience. She greets people with respect and compassion and helps them take the first step toward change. She aims to make initial contact feel manageable and straightforward for someone who may be anxious or unsure.

She uses her background in adult and child psychology to shape conversations and practical steps. Sessions are adapted to each person's needs rather than following a fixed script. Melissa focuses on everyday problems like stress, anxiety, anger, grief, relationship strain, career concerns, and coping with life changes.

Her work also includes people dealing with trauma and abuse, depression, self-injurious behavior, PTSD, and domestic violence. She listens for safety concerns and helps clients create plans to manage overwhelming feelings and stay safer between sessions. She pays attention to identity and supports LGBT individuals without judgment.

Typical sessions involve talking through recent events, learning small skills to manage emotions, and testing what works in daily life. She prefers clear goals and regular check-ins to track progress. She helps people rebuild routines, handle setbacks, and notice small changes that add up over time.

Taking the first step can be hard, and Melissa frames that choice as an important beginning. To start, a person completes a short matching questionnaire and then schedules sessions according to the therapist's availability.

How therapy approaches translate to online work

Melissa uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques focused on emotion regulation and trauma recovery. One approach emphasizes learning practical skills to manage strong emotions, like anger and anxiety, through step-by-step exercises and short behavioral experiments. This helps people try small changes between sessions and notice what reduces distress.

Another area focuses on trauma-informed care, which means paying attention to safety, pacing, and grounding strategies. This approach supports people who have experienced abuse or violence by helping them build stability and handle difficult memories at a pace they can tolerate.

Finding the right fit is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss different methods and recommend options based on a person’s goals, symptoms, and daily life. Clients and the therapist adjust the plan together as progress is tracked.

Confirm which session formats are currently offered before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week and reduce travel time. It also allows quick check-ins when schedules are tight and supports continuing work after a move, while keeping the focus on practical coping and life changes.