Melissa Madriaga

Melissa Madriaga is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Wisconsin who helps people facing stress, anxiety, eating and food-related issues, depression, and relationship struggles. She writes and speaks plainly, and she aims to create a calm, practical space for people to talk through what is happening now. Melissa draws on years of hands-on experience to help clients find clearer ways to cope and move forward.

She has eight years of counseling experience and spent significant time working with incarcerated and unhoused populations. Melissa served seven years in the United States Army Reserves, and she brings that background to her work with veterans and others who value direct, steady support. She also says she is open minded and has experience working with the LGBTQ community.

Melissa uses methods like cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered approaches, mindfulness, and narrative techniques. In sessions she helps people notice unhelpful patterns, try different behaviors, and reframe stories that keep them stuck. She emphasizes a whole-person approach to recovery rather than quick fixes.

Her training includes a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Marian University. She lists an Eating Disorder Certification Program on her background and notes experience supporting people who struggle with self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

Outside of work she is a single mother, cares for pets, and enjoys hiking, biking, and exploring Wisconsin. To begin, clients use the site’s Start Therapy process to match and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

How Melissa’s approaches adapt to online therapy

Melissa commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness in her work. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and try practical behavior changes to reduce symptoms like anxiety or depression. Mindfulness therapy focuses on present-moment awareness and simple practices to lower reactivity and improve coping with stress and eating concerns.

Finding the right approach is collaborative. The therapist will work with each person to see which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they review what helps and adjust the plan over time rather than committing to one method from the start.

Practical benefits of online therapy include easier scheduling and fewer travel demands, which can make it simpler to keep regular sessions during busy weeks. Online work can also allow shorter check-ins when needed or let someone participate without being on camera, depending on the session options. Confirm the current session formats and scheduling possibilities before booking so arrangements match personal needs.