Background
My name is Melissa Contreras, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 8 years of experience providing therapy to children and families. From a young age, I wanted a career working with children in some capacity. My first career was working as an elementary school teacher after earning my undergraduate degree in education from UT Austin. While working as an educator for seven years, my interest shifted from education to mental health, inspired by the meaningful work of a school counselor that I had the pleasure of working alongside.
I, then obtained an MA in community counseling from TX State University. I began my counseling career at a non-profit organization, where I provided therapy to children and families facing school-related challenges, anger management issues, and family conflict like divorce. Through this role, I developed expertise in solution-focused, play, sand and cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches along with teaching parenting classes. After becoming a mother of two, I made the heartfelt decision to step away from my career to focus on my family. Once my children were school-aged, I returned to the field as a Mental Health Specialist with a local school district, offering counseling services to children and teens dealing with anxiety and depression, particularly those with ADHD, autism, and behavioral challenges.
My past experience reinforced my understanding of mental health and researched based therapies. I have learned that children often express themselves through play, making it essential to create a child-centered environment where they feel safe and supported. In addition, I believe in the importance of teaching and modeling positive coping skills and teaching children how to express big feelings in a positive way. I understand the importance of validating their emotions and normalizing their feelings.
I’m thrilled to be reconnecting with children and families through Eco-Health Therapy. Together, in a supportive and collaborative therapeutic relationship, we’ll work towards personal goals and develop skills to address emotional issues for children and parenting challenges for adults. I look forward to walking alongside you and your child on this journey of growth and healing.
