- Mindfulness practice
- CBT techniques
- DBT skills
About Melissa
Melissa McCauley-Burow is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington with 18 years of clinical experience. She works with adults on a range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, anger, addiction, grief, depression, relationship struggles, sleep problems, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and life changes.
She uses straightforward, skills-based methods in sessions. Melissa often teaches mindfulness exercises to help people notice their thoughts and bodily sensations without judgment. She also uses cognitive behavioral strategies to identify unhelpful thought patterns and DBT skills to build emotional regulation and better communication habits.
In practice she focuses on what someone can do between sessions. That may include short mindfulness practices, thought records, or specific behavioral experiments to test new ways of reacting. She explains techniques in plain language and sets manageable steps people can try at home or at work.
Melissa has worked with people affected by chronic illness, aging concerns, grief and end-of-life issues, and substance use problems. Her background includes supporting people with attachment-related struggles and family of origin concerns, where patterns from earlier life affect today's relationships.
She describes therapy as collaborative. Sessions are practical and skill-focused, while also allowing time to talk through personal experiences. People who want concrete tools for managing anger and other strong emotions often find this approach useful.
Therapeutic approaches used and how online sessions can help
Melissa commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based work in sessions. CBT focuses on noticing the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and then testing new, more helpful ways of thinking and behaving to reduce anger and low mood. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention practices to notice urges and body sensations so reactions can be chosen rather than automatic.She also uses dialectical behavior therapy skills to help people tolerate strong emotions and improve communication. DBT-based tools include short grounding exercises, distress-tolerance techniques, and step-by-step strategies for saying what you need without escalating conflicts. These approaches suit problems like anger, recurring arguments, and stress that spills into everyday life.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which techniques fit their goals, preferences, and daily routines. Sessions are meant to be practical and to teach things people can use between appointments.
Confirm current online session options before booking. Many people choose online work because it can fit into a busy day, avoid travel time, or allow shorter check-ins when needed. Talk with the therapist about which session length and format will best match your schedule and needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
18+ years
Listed in
Missouri, Washington
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, anger, addictions, grief, sleep problems, bipolar disorder, ADHD, relationship issues, trauma and other related concerns.
What is her general approach in sessions?
She blends client-centered listening with skills training. Sessions often include mindfulness, thought work from CBT, and DBT-based emotion regulation skills.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 18 years of clinical experience providing therapy to adults.
What credentials does she hold and where is she based?
She is an LPC in Missouri and an LMHC in Washington and practices from Missouri.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.