- Client-centered approach
- CBT for thoughts
- Sleep and rest focus
About Melissa
Melissa Averett is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Louisiana with 14 years of clinical experience. She earned a Master of Education in Counseling at Southeastern Louisiana University and has worked in both residential and outpatient settings. Melissa focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, sleep problems, depression, and life transitions.
She spent four years supporting women in residential recovery from addiction and nine years providing outpatient counseling for adults with a variety of struggles and mental illness. Melissa helps people who are dealing with grief, trauma, divorce, and relationship challenges. She also works with concerns such as ADHD, bipolar mood issues, compassion fatigue, and parenting strain.
Melissa uses a client-centered style to build rapport and clarify goals. She pairs that with cognitive behavioral techniques to identify and change unhelpful thoughts. In sessions she teaches skills for healthier boundaries, improved self-esteem, coping strategies, and clearer communication.
Her approach is straightforward and warm. She focuses on practical steps people can use between sessions. Melissa encourages clients to practice new skills and notices small changes as part of progress.
People who prefer a therapist who listens, offers clear tools, and works step-by-step may find her style helpful. If sleep or rest is a concern, she includes strategies to address sleeping patterns alongside other clinical work.
To begin, people follow the site's Start Therapy flow and schedule based on the matching process and therapist availability. The subscription used for sessions can be canceled at any time.
How Melissa Uses Client-Centered and Cognitive Methods Online
Melissa practices client-centered therapy by listening carefully and following each person’s lead to set goals and priorities. This approach is about building rapport first and letting the client identify what matters most, which helps guide each session.She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy, which looks at thoughts, feelings, and behaviors together. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and practicing different responses to reduce distress and improve day-to-day functioning. These methods can be helpful for anxiety, depression, sleep concerns, and coping with life changes.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Melissa works with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences, and she adjusts techniques as needed so the work feels useful and manageable.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Therapists can still teach skills, practice communication, and use cognitive techniques effectively through remote sessions when the format fits the client’s needs.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
14+ years
Credentials
Louisiana
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Melissa help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, addiction recovery, relationship and family issues, grief, trauma, and related concerns such as ADHD and bipolar mood challenges.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is client-centered and warm, focusing on listening first and then helping people set clear goals and practical steps to reach them.
What is her professional background?
She has 14 years of experience, including four years in residential addiction recovery and nine years providing outpatient counseling to adults.
What credentials and location are listed for Melissa?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Louisiana.
Can sessions be held in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she accept clients outside the United States?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.