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Melanie Pignotti

Melanie is a Licensed Clinical Professional counselor (LCPC) and a Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC). She has an undergraduate degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice, and a Master’s of Science in Mental Health Counseling. She has worked in the field of mental health for the past 16 years. Melanie started her career working with children with severe emotional and behavioral disorders. She has provided trauma focused therapy services to adolescents and adults. Melanie has
connected with women and couples to address depression, anxiety and relationship conflicts. She truly believes in the significance of the therapeutic alliance, meaning the client counselor relationship is supportive and collaborative with the common goal of healthy change and personal growth. Melanie is an empath allowing her to deeply feel the emotions of others and understand different perspectives. This gift enables her to be an especially good listener and problem solver.

FIRST RESPONDER COUNSELOR

Melanie is passionate about providing emotional support to the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to help and save others.
She has partnered with law enforcement, special prosecutors, medical professionals, and child protection investigators in over 3000 cases conducting specialized forensic interviews with children, adolescents, and adults with cognitive or other developmental disabilities who have survived or witnessed violent crime. This role has allowed Melanie to gain insight into the culture and work of first responders. She knows firsthand how burnout, compassion fatigue and/or vicarious trauma can impact your life. Her specialized training and education make her highly skilled at providing essential counseling services to a population who faces unique challenges. Melanie offers a safe, non-judgmental and confidential environment for first responders and their families (spouses and children) to understand the impact of trauma, heal, restore resiliency, and reach overall wellness on and off the job.

HOLISTIC HEALTH

Melanie believes in approaching her clients holistically.  An individual’s overall health depends on developing a healthy balance of physical, emotional, social,
intellectual and spiritual needs.  She uses an integrative therapy model that combines different evidence-based tools to fit the needs of the individual client. Melanie is trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy which has the primary goal to change patterns of thinking and behavior contributing to life struggles. Melanie is well-versed in lifespan development, from infancy to late adulthood, and how early attachment and other experiences can impact mental health throughout the different stages of life. She will help you overcome challenges through discovery and growth in order to reach your full potential.

PERSONALITY

You will find Melanie to be genuine, understanding and compassionate. She is light hearted and uses her keen sense of humor, when appropriate, during the therapeutic process. When she isn’t providing counseling, she is a Program Director at a non-profit agency. Melanie believes in the importance of a healthy work-life balance. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and loves football and Formula 1 racing. She maintains an active lifestyle and enjoys being outdoors. She is always up for a good challenge, from completing a triathlon, training a new puppy, or signing up for a new training to advance in her career. Otherwise, Melanie can be found watching a documentary or reading a good true crime novel (probably about serial killers).

BOOKS I RECOMMEND

  • Healing the Shame that Binds You By John Bradshaw
  • Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow by Elizabeth Lesser
  • Daring Greatly By Brene Brown
  • Soul Shifts By Dr. Barbara DeAngelis
  • Your Soul’s Gift: The Healing Power of the Life you Planned Before You Were Born by Robert Schwartz
  • A New Earth By Eckhart Tolle
  • Everything Is Here to Help You By Matt Kahn