- Anxiety and depression
- Family of origin issues
- CBT and DBT methods
About Melissa
Melissa McMahon is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania with 25 years of clinical experience. She works with adults on common concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, addictions, relationship and family problems, and issues tied to family of origin. Sessions address everyday struggles like sleep, eating, parenting stress, anger, and self-esteem.
Her background includes long-term work across community and clinical settings with people facing loss, trauma, and major life changes. Melissa uses straightforward, practical methods to help people notice patterns that came from their family of origin and how those patterns affect current choices and relationships.
In the room she blends Client-Centered Therapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) tools. That means conversations focus on what matters to the client, while adding skill-based strategies for thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Sessions often include skills practice and concrete steps to try between meetings.
Melissa emphasizes collaboration. She asks for feedback and adjusts approaches based on what the client finds helpful. She encourages people to identify strengths and practical options for change rather than relying on labels or long explanations.
Her work touches on specific themes such as abandonment, attachment questions, codependency, adoption and foster care concerns, and forgiveness. People who want clear strategies for managing stress, improving communication, or understanding family patterns may find her style fitting.
How therapy approaches are used in online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy prioritizes the client's perspective and goals. In practice this means the therapist listens closely, reflects what she hears, and helps clients clarify what they want to change. It suits people who need space to talk through family patterns and personal priorities.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Sessions include identifying unhelpful thinking and trying concrete exercises to change responses. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep and attention difficulties.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides skills for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness. Therapy may include skills practice for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and communication strategies when family patterns trigger strong reactions.
Choosing an approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That process can involve trying a few techniques and adjusting based on what helps most.
Session logistics should be confirmed before booking since specific formats were not listed in the biography. Ask about available session options and how they can fit into your routine, for example to allow shorter check-ins, quieter conversations, or to avoid travel. Online work can make it easier to schedule therapy around daily life without promising any particular format.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Pennsylvania
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address related to family patterns?
She works with a wide range of concerns that often link back to family dynamics, including family of origin issues, relationship and communication problems, abandonment and attachment questions.
What is her general therapy style?
She blends Client-Centered talk with skill-based tools from CBT and DBT. Sessions focus on practical steps and skills as well as open conversation.
How much experience does she bring?
She has 25 years of experience working in varied clinical and community settings with people facing grief, trauma, mood and attention concerns.
Where is she licensed and practicing?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Pennsylvania.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin?
Choose the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.