your therapist
Melissa Lenz, MA, MHP
my
personal life
I reside with my family in Shoreview, Minnesota. When I am not driving my older two children to school or to their various extracurricular activities, I like to cook and read. As a family, we enjoy movie nights and walking the trails surrounding our home.
my background
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 2009. Following graduation, I worked with a variety of populations, providing both direct care and case management services. In 2019, I began graduate studies at Bethel University, where I obtained my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Since then, I have pursued additional training in perinatal mental health and trauma-informed somatic therapies. My educational and professional experiences have equipped me to work with individuals navigating a wide range of emotional and life challenges.
my specializations
My theoretical orientation is grounded in Emotion-Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I am trained in Brainspotting and have received additional training through Postpartum Support International, specializing in perinatal mental health.
I view the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative partnership between client and counselor. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where clients can share their stories and compassionately explore painful emotions or areas of inner conflict that may contribute to symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
I am passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges, particularly during times of transition and uncertainty. Whether you are struggling with trauma, grief, postpartum anxiety or depression, substance use, or parenting concerns, we will work together to identify your core needs and develop tools to help you move toward healing and growth.