your therapist
Melissa Lenz, MA, LPCC,
CIBHS Clinical Program Manager
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 direct care and case management services before pursuing my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bethel University, which I completed in 2022. Since then, I have continued to expand my clinical expertise through advanced training in perinatal mental health, Brainspotting, and trauma-informed therapies. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, adults, and families facing a wide range of emotional, relational, and life challenges. These experiences have strengthened my ability to provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each client's unique needs and stage of life.
my specializations
My theoretical orientation is grounded in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I am trained in Brainspotting and have received specialized training through Postpartum Support International in perinatal mental health. As the Clinical Program Manager for Children's Intensive Behavioral Health Services (CIBHS), I also have extensive experience supporting children and families impacted by trauma, attachment disruptions, and behavioral and emotional challenges.
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 explore difficult emotions, heal from painful experiences, and build lasting resilience.
I am passionate about helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges. Whether you are struggling with trauma, grief, postpartum anxiety or depression, parenting concerns, relationship difficulties, or supporting a child through emotional or behavioral challenges, we will work together to identify your strengths, meet your core needs, and foster meaningful healing.