Melissa Ceren
Licensed Professional Counselor
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Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Clemson University
Education Specialist in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Clemson University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Art – Sewanee: The University of the South
Licensed Professional Counselor LPC.0019562 Colorado
EMDR Trained
ERP Trained
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Trauma-informed approaches like:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
Walk and Talk Nature Therapy
Client-Centered Therapy
Mindfulness and Art Incorporation
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Available in-person in Colorado Springs and online across Colorado.
Intake Session: $215
Weekly 50 Minute Session: $175
My Journey to Becoming a Therapist…
Ever since I was a kid, I have liked to help and understand others. That made my decision to go into the mental health field very simple. I attended the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s program at Clemson University in South Carolina. I have also spent additional time training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, as well as, Outdoor Therapy.
The hardest part is seeking help, so congratulations, you’re experiencing your first victory in therapy!
When I am not doing therapy...
You can find me on a lake, enjoying a hike in the outdoors, or fly fishing with my husband and dogs Otie and Blue. We enjoy traveling and finding new places to explore.
Another fun fact about me: I double as a local guide and find trout fishing an incredible source of joy in my life.
It takes courage.
Starting therapy takes courage, but I believe that as long as you are ready to put in the work inside of the therapy space and at home, it is a good time for therapy. What many people don’t tell you is that therapy is not a cure all although sometimes it can create that result.
I recognize how vulnerable this can feel, and I want you to know what it’s like to work with me.
I care about creating a safe therapy experience for you to explore what you are currently experiencing. There will be laughter and humor, and there will be curiosity and acceptance.
You might hear me ask, “Is it ok if I challenge you?” I ask because I believe therapy is a place where you can have agency in your own healing, and where you can feel safe enough to explore what is uncomfortable.
I am a solution-focused therapist. I believe the more you put the things we discuss into practice, the more likely you will be to reach your goals.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to turn, know that you’re not alone. Healing takes courage, and I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion and honesty. Together, we’ll find a path that feels right for you.
Let’s get you unstuck, feeling more in control, and like you have direction in your life!
You will start to feel improvement in symptoms just by giving yourself a space to acknowledge and share what has been going on.
We will move forward and out of "stuck" by processing the root or underlying memories with trauma-informed approaches.
Once memories are desensitized and processed, we utilize a coaching-style approach to help you identify what changes you want to make in your life.
This could include setting and implementing new boundaries, repairing relationships, or deciding you want a career or education change. We will work together to set these goals!
What to Expect
First, we will assess whether we are a good fit in a consultation call. Then, we will schedule an intake appointment. At the intake appointment, I will play the role of detective to gain insight into what makes you who you are.
This next part is important – you don’t have to share anything you’re not ready to share in this appointment. I firmly believe in giving you the power to choose our direction in therapy and it’s totally normal to want to know me and the process more before fully opening up.
From then on, our usual sessions will include goal setting, processing, re-writing unhelpful self-beliefs, and exploring new coping strategies.
The therapy process is different for everyone, some people benefit more from talking while others benefit more from experiencing. You don’t have to worry about “doing therapy right.” Together, we will find a rhythm and method that works uniquely for you.
Healing that lasts.
As a therapist, it’s important to tell you what might be hard to hear. I recognize that things are not working for you, that’s why you are here. By reflecting my observations in a kind yet direct way, we can work together to make changes in order to achieve greater personal and interpersonal success.
My approach is relational and direct, trauma-informed, solution-focused, and collaborative. I draw from EMDR, Narrative Therapy, Walk and Talk Outdoor Therapy, and other evidenced-based approaches to help you process what you’ve carried to move forward.
There is no time like the present, so reach out. I look forward to connecting with you in a meaningful way.
IN-PERSON AND ONLINE IN COLORADO