- Guilt and shame focus
- DBT skills
- Solution-focused goals
About Melissa
Melissa Walters is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Virginia with eight years of experience. She works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, parenting questions, low self-esteem, and changes in life circumstances. Melissa also focuses on issues like adoption and foster care, caregiver stress, communication problems, forgiveness, and guilt and shame.
Her sessions are conversational and practical. She listens to what matters most and then helps people identify small, doable steps. Melissa uses familiar, straightforward tools to help clients manage intense emotions and improve day-to-day functioning.
Melissa draws from Client-Centered Therapy to keep the conversation focused on the client's perspective. She uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to teach emotion regulation and distress tolerance. Motivational Interviewing helps when people feel stuck or unsure about change, and Solution-Focused Therapy supports setting clear, short-term goals.
In a typical meeting she clarifies the immediate concern, checks what has helped before, and outlines a few practical strategies to try between sessions. Sessions emphasize skill-building, clearer communication, and steps to reduce overwhelming guilt or shame. Progress is tracked in concrete ways so people can see what changes.
Melissa offers services in English and works with adults in Virginia. She frames work around real-life pressures like parenting, caregiving, and relationship conflicts, and she encourages straightforward problem solving rather than abstract theory.
Approaches used in online sessions
Melissa uses Client-Centered Therapy to keep the focus on the client's experience and priorities. That approach means the conversation follows what matters most to the person and builds on their own strengths and choices.She also incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills to teach practical tools for managing strong emotions and reducing impulsive reactions. DBT techniques can help with intense shame, overwhelming guilt, or rapid mood shifts by offering clear, repeatable strategies.
Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and day-to-day demands, then choose approaches that fit. This is a collaborative process that can shift as needs change.
Session logistics should be confirmed before booking because the biography does not list specific formats. Many people find online sessions help fit therapy into busy lives - they can be easier to schedule around work, childcare, or medical appointments. Others appreciate shorter check-ins when needed, or using tools learned in sessions during real-world moments. Ask about the available session arrangements when you set up your first meeting.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
8+ years
Listed in
Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of issues does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns, plus related areas like guilt and shame and caregiver stress.
How does she approach shame and guilt?
She uses practical skills and conversation to reduce overwhelm, clarifying what the feelings are linked to and testing small changes that can ease them.
What is her background and experience?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with eight years of professional experience working with adults on interpersonal and emotional concerns.
Where is she licensed and based?
She holds an LCSW credential in Virginia and provides services to adults in that state.
Does she work in other languages or accept international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies by location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.