time for your life changing moment
your therapist
Melissa Lenz, MA, MHP
my
personal life
I am a wife and mother to three children (9, 7 and 1 year old) and reside 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, walking the trails surrounding our home, and being active in our local church.
my background
I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a minor in child psychology, at the University of Minnesota in 2009. After graduation, I became a case manager and direct support professional to adults with intellectual disabilities. I then transitioned to a mental health clinic and provided care coordination services for children with autism and other diagnoses. During this time, I attended graduate school at Bethel University and obtained my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I feel that my educational and professional background have prepared me to work with a variety of individuals who are experiencing a wide range of challenges. Being a person of Christian faith, I also understand that religion and spirituality can be an important aspect of the therapeutic process.
my specializations
My theoretical orientation is grounded in Emotion Focused, Person Centered, Narrative, and Cognitive Behavioral therapies. I consider the therapeutic relationship to be a partnership between client and counselor. During sessions, it is my goal to maintain a posture of curiosity and humility and offer a space where clients can share their story. I have a passion for working with adults and children as they navigate challenging issues, especially during periods of transition and uncertainty. Whether you are struggling with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, substance use, or parenting issues, we can work together to identify your core concern and develop tools that will help you move towards healing.