MELISSA SPAULDING

LPC-MHSP

I graduated from Johnson University in 2009 with my Masters in Professional Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy, and have been practicing in the Upper Cumberland ever since. When we opened Grove in July of 2013, we sought to build a practice that is safe and welcoming for every person, from every walk of life. Over the years, we've expanded the practice to include opportunities to foster community outside of therapy, including support groups, childcare/camps, trauma informed yoga, book club, and more!

We also have a med provider in-house, and (coming soon!) a flower farm. I feel privileged to partner alongside clients in their work toward growth and healing, as well as facilitating a healing space where our clients can embody that growth together in community.

I have specialized training in treating trauma, disordered eating, depression, and anxiety. I use a range of modalities including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Systems Family Theory, Internal Family Systems, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I see being a therapist as both an art form and a way to love people. My work allows me to focus on the creative act of piecing together how to best support each individual client. The same way I love challenging my brain to pair a vintage rug from an antique store with a modern lamp from goodwill to create the best pairing for a space, I love finding the right combo of healing modalities and support for my clients to get a therapeutic experience that is uniquely theirs. My approach is to fully be myself in the space and in turn, give you permission to fully be yourself. Something truly beautiful happens when two humans show up in the room together, just as they are. As Van Gogh said, "There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people."

When I'm not at the office you'll find me spending time with my two boys and husband outside! | love all things vegetable garden, flowers, and house plants-from digging in the dirt to canning. We enjoy the great outdoors and camping in our vintage Serra Scotty camper. When I'm not outside, you'll find me digging through a good bin thrifting or antiquing. I really enjoyed decorating the space at Grove!

State-Approved Supervisor for TN LPC-MHSP Candidates

TN License #3014

Get to know Melissa…

· Full Name

Melissa Spaulding

· Pronouns:

She/her

· Role at Grove

Owner, therapist, clinical supervisor

· Licensure/Credentials

LPC-MHSP, approved clinical supervisor

· Therapeutic Approach In a Few Words

Investing in building a healthy and meaningful attachment with others so that they feel heard and accepted and free to work on the things to make their life better or heal.

· What drew you to this work?

I think naturally feeling more comfortable in serious conversations as opposed to small talk and wanting to help others and myself have a more full life

· What do you hope clients feel when they walk into Grove?

Safe. I want them to feel like they matter, that they are heard, and that we value who they are.

· A value or belief I carry into sessions:

That clients have the power within them to do the work- and that I am here to fill create a safe space for them to do it in.

· How I care for my own mental health:

I try to be outside as much as I can, listening to music or being in silence, and working in the dirt in some way gardening or working in flowers. I love being next to the water and luckily have a pond in my back yard. I also like organizing things and redoing furniture and break these down into small bits when I don't have a lot of time for self-care. I also try and do a weekly bin/thrift/antique experience - even for a short time.

· Hidden Talent:

I can polka dance

· If I were a plant, I'd be a:

Hoya

· Favorite Comfort Food:

A Chinese buffet

· Weekend Vibe: What's your dream weekend look like?

Camping somewhere with water and no cell service :) I enjoy all the things from a campfire, walks in nature, floating on the lake, and camp food. I enjoy playing Yahtzee, a word search puzzle or a good book.

· A book/movie/show I'll never get tired of:

Pride & Prejudice

· Go-to drink order:

lol kinda boring- Americana with half and half

o This or That: Early Bird or Night Owl

Early Bird

o City or Nature

Nature

o Fiction or Nonfiction

Nonfiction

o Dogs or Cats

Both!

o Sunrise or Sunsets

Sunsets

Please pick the co-worker who works to the RIGHT of your office, name them, and describe what a client can expect sitting in the room with them as their therapist/office staff:

I'll take Anna (Pierce): She is a mother, even if she's not yours. Imagine sitting with a warm, nurturing person who is well educated on child development and the impacts of trauma. She has realistic expectations of you and genuinely is listening to what you are sharing. She enjoys getting to know you and work alongside you. She is almost always bright (nobody is perfect and her brightness is genuine) :) Her enthusiasm to develop programs to help children emanates from her and you can't not pick it up. She is a pleasure to be around.