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 and Internal Family Systems therapies. I consider the therapeutic relationship to be a partnership between client and counselor. It is my goal to offer a space where clients can share their story, and compassionately explore painful emotions or areas of inner conflict that have led to mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
I have a passion for working with individuals as they navigate challenges in their life, especially during periods of transition and uncertainty. Whether you are struggling with trauma, grief, postpartum 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.