Melissa Upton

Melissa Upton is a Licensed Professional Counselor who helps people manage anger, stress, anxiety, and relationship concerns. She also supports clients facing depression, low self-esteem, parenting stress, and career or school planning. Her tone is practical and direct, focused on clear steps people can use right away.

She spent 25 years working in Mississippi public schools and has 14 years of experience as a school counselor. That background shaped her approach to helping people learn coping skills, manage strong emotions, and plan for school or work. She has worked with adolescents on anger management, anxiety, ADHD, and academic concerns.

Her style is client-centered. That means she listens first and tailors sessions to each person's needs. She also uses solution-focused ideas to set short-term goals and find practical ways forward.

In sessions she helps people name problems, try small changes, and measure what works. She draws on career tools such as the RIASEC model when helping with job or education planning. She aims to treat people with respect and compassion while offering straightforward strategies.

Melissa encourages clients to practice self-help skills between sessions so progress can continue outside the room. She is transitioning from school counseling to more one-on-one clinical work and looks forward to supporting people as they build balance and solve the life issues they face.

How these approaches guide online counseling

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding each person’s experience. The therapist follows the client’s lead, offers empathy, and shapes sessions around what matters most to the client. This approach helps when someone needs a nonjudgmental space to talk through anger, anxiety, or relationship stress.

Solution-Focused Therapy looks for small, achievable changes that move a person toward their goals. Sessions emphasize strengths, past successes, and clear next steps. This style is useful for people who want practical strategies for coping with anger, improving communication, or managing life transitions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to decide which methods fit best based on needs, goals, and preferences. That may involve trying different techniques and adjusting the plan as progress is made.

The original profile does not list specific online formats, so confirm current session options before booking. In general, online therapy can make scheduling easier, let sessions fit into work or school breaks, and reduce travel time. It also allows shorter check-ins when that suits someone’s routine. Licensed professionals can use these formats to help people practice skills and track small improvements over time.