“What we express helps us heal what we cannot say.” —

Melissa Simmons is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with a diverse range of clients across the lifespan. She has worked with individuals from varied sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, socioeconomic backgrounds, education levels, and religious and cultural communities, and she values inclusivity and cultural humility in her work.

Melissa practices from a neutral, non-judgmental, and person-centered approach, using a systemic framework to understand each client’s unique experiences and relationships. She collaborates closely with clients to develop individualized treatment plans and meaningful therapeutic goals.

She has specialized training in trauma-focused treatment, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and the Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) model. Melissa also integrates evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) when clinically appropriate.

Melissa works with individuals, couples, and families, supporting clients as they explore patterns, build resilience, and strengthen relationships. At Pillar of Hope her goal is to guide clients toward self-discovery and personal growth, fostering healthier relationships with themselves and others while improving day-to-day functioning and overall well-being.

 Melissa uses a person-centered, non-judgmental, and systemic approach, integrating trauma-informed and evidence-based models to support individuals, couples, and families in building healthier relationships and daily functioning.