- Anger management strategies
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- DBT skills training
About Melisa
Melisa Ford is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 12 years of experience practicing in Alabama. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, anger, mood disorders, grief, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, parenting struggles, ADHD, and related challenges.
She keeps sessions straightforward and practical. Melisa uses proven techniques to help people manage strong feelings, handle conflict, and reduce impulsive reactions. She listens for patterns in thinking and behavior and helps people test small changes that can ease daily strain.
Her work combines client-centered conversation with practical tools from cognitive behavioral approaches and skills training from dialectical behavior therapy. Solution-focused methods are used to set short-term goals and notice quick wins. People learn specific coping steps they can use between sessions.
Melisa pays attention to cultural background and how it shapes relationships and self-view. She addresses communication problems, codependency, blended family issues, and feelings of isolation as part of everyday life, not as labels. Sessions include teaching concrete strategies for managing anger, substance use triggers, and mood swings.
She aims to help people build clearer boundaries, improve communication, and find steadier emotional footing. Those who want to get started select the online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so people feel heard and can clarify their own goals. Online sessions using this approach often involve open conversation and collaboratively chosen topics to focus on immediate concerns such as anger or relationship strain.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks down unhelpful thoughts and behaviors into manageable parts and teaches concrete skills for change. In an online setting CBT can include short homework tasks, thought records, and practical behavior experiments to try between sessions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) supplies specific skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improving communication. Those skills can be practiced in session and then applied in everyday situations like workplace frustration or family interactions.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to pick methods that fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Expect the first sessions to be about identifying priorities and choosing a few practical techniques to try.
Confirm the exact session formats before booking since formats are not specified here. Online options can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow short check-ins when needed. Talk with the therapist about what will work best for scheduling, session length, and how to practice skills between appointments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
Georgia, Alabama
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
Which concerns does she address related to anger?
She works with anger alongside stress, anxiety, addictions, mood disorders, trauma, relationship and family issues, parenting strain, and ADHD.
What is her therapeutic style?
She blends client-centered conversation with cognitive behavioral tools, DBT skills, and solution-focused goal setting to produce practical steps people can use day to day.
How much experience does she have?
She has 12 years of experience providing counseling to people with a range of emotional and behavioral concerns.
What are her credentials and location?
She holds the LPC credential and practices in Alabama with LPC status for AL and GA listed.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
She is not accepting international clients; services are provided within the stated region.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What do I do to begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.