Melissa Woody (She/Her)
Clinical Intern
Melissa is a Graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Southern Maine (USM), with an expected graduation in May 2026. Before beginning her Master’s program, she spent years homeschooling her children while working as a teacher and tutor. Through these experiences, she developed a deep understanding of human development, learning, and interpersonal connection. Her dedication to personal growth and community service has shaped her compassionate, client-centered approach to counseling.
She provides a warm, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and challenges at their own pace. She works with individuals all ages, supporting them in areas including trauma, family dynamics, child development, parenting, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, spirituality, life transitions (such as childbirth or retirement), and age-related cognitive concerns. Melissa believes in meeting clients where they are, helping them develop insight, and empowering them to create meaningful change in their lives. With a commitment to fostering hope and healing, Melissa combines professional knowledge with deep empathy, patience, and understanding. She strives to support each client’s journey toward self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth.
She provides a warm, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and challenges at their own pace. She works with individuals all ages, supporting them in areas including trauma, family dynamics, child development, parenting, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, spirituality, life transitions (such as childbirth or retirement), and age-related cognitive concerns. Melissa believes in meeting clients where they are, helping them develop insight, and empowering them to create meaningful change in their lives. With a commitment to fostering hope and healing, Melissa combines professional knowledge with deep empathy, patience, and understanding. She strives to support each client’s journey toward self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth.
Melissa's Counseling Philosophy
Melissa’s counseling philosophy is rooted in the belief that every person has the innate ability to shape their own life, interpret their experiences, and find meaning in their journey. She integrates principles from Adlerian, Existential, and Gestalt therapy, helping clients understand how their past influences their present, explore their values and purpose, and develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. She believes that by sharing and reflecting on life experiences, individuals can foster a deeper sense of connection, healing, and personal growth.
Melissa views counseling as a collaborative and supportive process, where self-awareness and authenticity play a central role in healing. She encourages clients to deepen their understanding of themselves and take intentional steps toward positive change that align with their personal aspirations. With patience, compassion, and a non-judgmental presence, she is dedicated to walking alongside her clients as they navigate life’s challenges and move toward greater wholeness and well-being.
Melissa views counseling as a collaborative and supportive process, where self-awareness and authenticity play a central role in healing. She encourages clients to deepen their understanding of themselves and take intentional steps toward positive change that align with their personal aspirations. With patience, compassion, and a non-judgmental presence, she is dedicated to walking alongside her clients as they navigate life’s challenges and move toward greater wholeness and well-being.