Melissa Joseph, MSW, LCSW I believe we all need someone to talk with. Someone who will listen without judgment and accept us for who we really are. I provide a warm non-judgmental approach so that you have someone to walk alongside you in this journey of exploration, discovery, and problem-solving. A space for individuals to explore and resolve struggles with life’s transitions, challenges with relationships, life stressors, and healing from past traumatic experiences. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have over 24 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds and a wide array of presenting problems. I have worked with various forms of trauma and have had extensive experience working within the child welfare system of Cook County. I also spent four years at an early head start program working with low-income families. I worked at an inpatient psychiatric setting of a hospital for four years and have been counseling clients in a private practice setting for ten years. One of my specialties is working with teens and their families to provide support and positive direction. Also, I have a deep desire to assist first responders in healing from the cumulative trauma they have experienced due to their position and assist their families with the help they need. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work (BS), with a minor in Sociology from Illinois State University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Aurora University. I am also ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) trained. It is a creative method of therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health problems where it helps desensitize clients to their distressing memories and feelings but also gives clients the opportunity to experience positive emotions and thoughts in association with the previously upsetting or traumatizing memory. My treatment approach involves using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused, and Strengths-Based Perspective. I use a variety of other techniques and develop a framework suitable to meet the individual needs of my clients. My focus is empowering people and helping them identify problem areas and then giving them the tools they need to help resolve or manage those areas of concern. I use a warm and caring approach. You will find my personality to be encouraging, motivating, supportive, and directive when necessary. Our sessions will most resemble a warm conversation. You will find my office to be relaxing, inviting, and comforting. A safe place to laugh, cry, or express anger as needed. This is YOUR space and I want to make the most of your time while you are with me. If you feel you are ready to commit to making positive changes in your life, I encourage you to take that first step. I will support you unconditionally. It is my goal to provide a safe place where clients feel comfortable sharing the challenges they are currently facing in life. Most of all, it is important for me to build rapport so clients can trust me. It is my hope that you will find this experience to be worth it in the end, and you will come out stronger.