Melissa Collins-Porter

Hello! I’m Mel and I’m so glad you’re here. I’m passionate about helping people feel more at peace with themselves and the world around them. Life can be messy and complicated, and therapy is a place where we can make sense of it together. Before becoming a therapist, I spent many years teaching film studies. I’ve always been fascinated by stories—the ones told on screen and the ones we carry inside. In therapy, I see each person’s story as unique and worth honoring. We’re all shaped by our experiences, our families, our culture, and our biology. I take a holistic approach that acknowledges the full picture of who you are.

When you walk into my office, my goal is for you to feel accepted just as you are. You’ll be met with warmth, curiosity, and respect. I leave my own values at the door, because this space is about helping you live in alignment with your values. We all exist on a spectrum of mental health, and your struggles are simply part of being human.

My work is rooted in attachment-based and psychodynamic theories, drawing from Jung, Rogers, Frankl, Klein, and Satir. I work with individuals, couples, and families of all ages—from kids and teens to adults—helping people heal, grow, and

connect more deeply with themselves and others. My approaches are trauma-informed, LGBT-QIA- affirming, and neurodiversity-embracing.

Outside of therapy, you’ll likely find me running, reading, watching movies, soaking up sun at the beach, or spending time with my family, friends, and two labradoodles.

Specialties:

• Trauma
• Anxiety and depression
• Personality disorders
• Substance use disorders
• Pornography and sexual issues
• Parent coaching
• Support for families of children with special needs
• Perimenopause and menopause support

Therapeutic Approaches:

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Mindfulness
• Brainspotting
• Motivational Interviewing