PuttingFamilyFirst

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MM Portrait of Melissa McMahon
Online therapist

Melissa McMahon

Practical support for stress and parenting

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Credentials
LCSW
Experience
10 years
Licensed in
Illinois
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Melissa

Melissa McMahon is a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois with about 10 years of practical experience. She focuses on stress, anxiety, parenting, compassion fatigue, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, and issues related to ADHD and LGBT identities. Melissa takes a straightforward, strengths-oriented approach and treats each person as the expert on their life.

Sessions with Melissa emphasize clear goals and slow steps forward. She listens for what matters most and helps people sort through hard parts of life.

Background and approach

Her style aims to build self-awareness and practical skills, not to overwhelm with theory. Melissa has worked with people who have experienced trauma and other serious challenges. That background informs how she holds space for painful topics while focusing on what clients can use now.

She draws on tools that match each person’s needs rather than a one-size-fits-all plan. Her clinical tools include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, client-centered methods, and narrative approaches among others. These methods support people in clarifying values, telling their stories differently, and making actionable changes.

Melissa blends approaches to fit the problem at hand. She sees progress as a series of small, meaningful shifts. Melissa emphasizes self-discovery, self-acceptance, and practical steps that help people feel steadier.

Her aim is to help clients find things about themselves to be proud of and to move toward greater self-compassion.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice painful thoughts without getting stuck in them. It focuses on clarifying values and taking small actions that match what matters, which can be useful for anxiety, stress, and life changes.

Client-Centered Therapy centers the person’s experience and uses active listening and empathy to help people feel heard and understood. This approach supports building self-acceptance and exploring personal goals.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with clients to identify which methods feel most helpful based on their goals, history, and preferences. Sessions may combine techniques so the plan fits the person rather than forcing a single model.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, keep continuity during life changes, and choose a format that feels comfortable. Many people find this range of formats helps them stay engaged and apply skills between sessions.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Narrative Therapy

Looking at the story you have come to tell about yourself, and where it came from. The work is in separating the problem from your identity and finding accounts that fit you better.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Melissa work with?
She supports a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, parenting, compassion fatigue, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, depression, ADHD, and LGBT-related matters.
What is the general therapy style here?
The approach is strengths-based and practical, with an emphasis on listening, clarifying goals, and using skills that fit each person’s life. Sessions focus on small, concrete steps rather than abstract theory.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Melissa has about 10 years of work experience as a licensed clinician, bringing that background to work with trauma, parenting challenges, and other concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she licensed?
She holds the credential LCSW, licensed in Illinois with license number IL LCSW 149021584.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Therapy is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and preferences.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
10 years
Licensed
Illinois
Languages
English

Next step

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