Hi! I’m Melissa Wurster

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon. I decided to become a counselor after my family experienced trauma. Therapy helped me gain insight, process challenging times, and develop more adaptive behavior patterns. Positive experiences in therapy increased my desire to become a counselor myself. I am qualified through education, supervised practice, and personal experience to help others through challenging and/or confusing times. I specialize in helping children and teens that experience trauma, depression, anxiety, and/or gender identity concerns. My expertise also includes supporting parenting skill development and strengthening family relationships.

I come from a client-centered, trauma-informed perspective using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing treatment techniques. I am a LGBTQIA2 affirming therapist. Collaboration is important to me and therefore, I am transparent with techniques I use and encourage feedback from all clients.  Therapy can be a challenging process and I will provide the safety, guidance, and reassurance at the level you need in order to live a happier and healthier life.

MY APPROACH

I encourage exploration of relevant previous experiences that may shed light onto patterns, ability to change, and/or issues that are current in a client’s daily life. Processing issues from the past will allow a person to move forward with more confidence, self-worth, and a stronger propensity to make positive changes in life. Coping strategies for more immediate issues are helpful during this process and I will help every client in need. I will also use interventions from other therapeutic approaches if my client and I agree that it would be helpful.

TELEHEALTH

Sessions are held via telehealth only at this time. I will ensure that confidentiality is protected while in the location in which I conduct therapy sessions via telehealth.