- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Communication skills
About Melissa
Melissa Woodby is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Tennessee with 12 years of experience. She works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy concerns, depression, and anger. Sessions address practical problems and everyday feelings in clear, direct language.
She focuses on helping people talk through what is happening now and how it affects daily life. That can mean learning ways to calm down in heated moments, reducing persistent worry, or rebuilding trust after hurt. She also supports people facing life transitions, career stress, parenting strain, and issues related to identity and relationships.
In sessions she keeps things straightforward and goal-oriented. Conversations center on patterns that fuel anger, anxiety, or avoidance, and on small steps that change those patterns. Clients work on concrete skills such as managing strong emotions, improving communication, and setting workable boundaries.
Melissa draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide the work. She adapts those methods to focus on the client’s immediate problems and practical goals. Progress is measured by specific changes a person wants to make, like fewer angry outbursts or calmer responses at work.
Her approach also attends to longer-term concerns such as trauma history, compulsive behaviors, or relationship cycles. She helps people weigh options, practice different responses, and build routines that support better daily functioning.
How evidence-based approaches are used in online sessions
Melissa uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address emotion regulation and relationship patterns. One common approach focuses on practical emotion skills - learning how feelings build, spotting triggers, and practicing short techniques to reduce intensity. This helps people who lose their temper quickly or who carry simmering resentment.Another approach targets relationship and communication patterns. Work here involves identifying repetitive cycles, practicing different responses, and rehearsing clearer ways to state needs. That kind of skill-building can reduce misunderstandings and lower conflict over time.
Choosing the right mix of methods is a collaborative process. The therapist and client review current problems, goals, and preferences together, then try approaches that fit those priorities. Adjustments are made along the way based on what helps most.
Practical benefits of online sessions include fitting therapy into a busy schedule and avoiding travel time. Confirm the current session options before booking since formats were not specified in the original profile. Many people find remote sessions helpful for shorter check-ins, steady weekly work, or maintaining momentum between in-person visits.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
Tennessee
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger issues are addressed?
She works with people experiencing anger tied to relationships, work frustration, built-up resentment, or living with someone else’s anger. Concerns listed include anger alongside anxiety, trauma, and intimacy problems.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
The style is straightforward and goal-oriented. Sessions focus on concrete skills and practical steps rather than abstract discussion.
What is her professional background?
She has 12 years of clinical experience supporting adults with stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, and related concerns.
What credentials and location does she hold?
She is an LMFT licensed in Tennessee and practices from that state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule the first session.