DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL SERVICES
 ADowis@familyservicerochester.org

Education
Masters of Science in Education, Emphasis is Community Counseling, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh; Post-Graduate Certificate: Contemporary Theory in Couple and Family Systems, Capella University

Licensure
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); Wisconsin; Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC); Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy

Specialized Training/Certifications
Collaborative Intensive Bridging Services (CIBS); Diagnosing Children ages 5 and under (DC 0-5) MN DHS; Couple and Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Brief Therapy Clinical Supervision

Competencies
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Domestic Violence, Children and Adolescent Mental Health, Family Systems

Specialized Interests/Skills
Individual Psychotherapy; Multi-Systemic Therapy; Parent/Child Relationships; Blended Family Issues; Solution-Focused Therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

My pronouns are: sher/her/hers

Self-determination is important for me. People choosing their own way and their own path is key. It’s important that individuals have time to talk about what brought them here for services and their hopes. I particularly like to focus in on hopes – what is it that you want to see.

Trusting is important to the relationship. I want to walk alongside people creating a safe space where they feel they can share their story freely. I strongly believe that individuals need to follow their own pace in building a therapeutic relationship, thus ensuring their readiness to do the work.

Humor is important and being able to find those moments with humor is useful in relationships and can be validating.

Being an older adult myself, I understand the challenges that come with the aging process. I am honored to offer mental health services to this population.

Special Interests/Skills: Older adults, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, PEARLS, domestic violence

My work in mental health has always been specific to underserved communities. Persons of color are additionally marginalized in society. My life’s work over the last ten years or so has been very much focused on diversity, equity, and inclusivity. I like to believe that it feels different sitting with someone with that lens, that there is a different level of respect.

I start with clients with us assessing fit - are they comfortable with me. Because I do a lot of trauma work, I like to be very transparent and offer options to people so they feel they have some agency. The client is the expert on who they are and I have the skills to help them live their best life.

I see a variety of ages, sexual orientation, sexual and gender identity. I enjoy working with youth who are struggling in their educational systems.

Special Interests/Skills: LGBTQ+, QTBIPOC, Latino/Latina, Native American populations; complex trauma, intersectionality, severe and persistent mental illness, ex-offender community reentry.

My pronouns are: she/ella

Melissa graduated with her Masters of Arts in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University.

Melissa enjoys working across the lifespan and will be providing individual, family, and couples therapy.

Melissa is a trauma-informed therapist and has training in Relationship Counseling, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.

My pronouns are: she/her/hers.

Seeking help is challenging and can be one of the most rewarding things one can do. Self-compassion is important to me and nothing inspires me more than being able to offer hope when individuals are navigating life challenges and embarking on a healing journey to putting their most authentic self forward.

I see therapy as a working partnership in which we set goals as they pertain to your personal values, problem solve barriers to your goals, and discover meaningful insights and skills along the way. I use a laid-back approach that incorporates humor to provide an environment conductive to healing and empowerment. It is important for me that my approach and skills are aligned with your needs so we will work together to explore this in the initial sessions.  

Licensure: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Minnesota Board of Social Work

Special Interests/Skills: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Women’s Issues, life transitions, Intersectional minority mental health.

My pronouns are: she/her/hers

My work focuses on Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) as well as consultation, including debriefing critical incidents.  

EAP expands education on the importance of mental hygiene and wellness as a multigenerational personal and professional value that supports work health and  adjustment.

When working with families, it is important to consciously create a family culture that supports each family member in reaching their fullest potential.

Special Interests/Skills: Employee Assistance Programs. Outreach to rural and geographically challenged areas. Military members and their families. Expanding the concept of mental hygiene and removing stigma through community education for individual and families. 

I try to make sure therapy is as unique as the client themselves, meaning we can work together to create the structure and unique modality which works for you.

My priority in every session is to provide an inclusive and safe space to process successes and challenges in your life. I am willing to give as much feedback, whether skills, validation, compassion, or simply space, as you need. It is your right to bring whatever you have, and it is my job to make sure we work towards your overarching therapeutic goals.

It is very important to me that therapy is at a pace with which you are comfortable. A major part of that is being open to explore your identity with you. While I may have several interests, my greatest passion is working with the LGBTQIA+ community and helping one find their safe spaces.

Special Interests/Skills: LGBTQIA and gender identities, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, diagnosing children ages 5 and under (DC: 0-5). 

Rapport building is very important. A good therapeutic relationship with congruence, empathy, and unconditional positive regard can really help clients grow because they are being validated when they usually are not at home, school, and work.

It is very important as a therapist for me to validate clients, help them reframe their automatic negative thoughts, normalize some of their difficulties, and most importantly to show them a non-judgmental stance.

Most people are afraid of being judged, put in a box and labeled. I’m very easy to talk with. I try to make my clients feel welcome and provide a judgment free zone in my office.

Special Interests/Skills: Adolescent and adult mental health, depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, and trauma. Managing and Adaptive Practices (MAP) trained. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

My pronouns are: she/her/hers

While I may be providing mental health services, I consider the client the expert in their life and their experience. I see my role as providing a safe, inclusive space to explore how environmental barriers and one’s mental health are impacting the life one wants to be living. My priorities in our work together is your safety and comfort, transparency of services, lack of judgment, and providing services which will address your mental health goals.

I approach therapy by first considering your strengths and prioritizing whether you perceive me as a good fit for your needs. Together, we can create an individualized course of treatment to address the changes you are hoping for in your life. My practice is guided by Strengths-Based, Family Systems, CBT, DBT, Trauma-Informed, and Person-Centered interventions.

Special Interests/Skills: Adolescent, young adult, life transitions, LGBTQIA+ identities, disordered eating, relationship anxiety, divorce recovery, and religious trauma.

My pronouns are: she/her/hers