Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Bode, LMHC.
Hi Melissa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Katy, TX and in 2016 moved to Orlando, FL to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Central Florida. My interest in psychology began in my junior year of high school. Up until then, school had been a real struggle for me, which led to feeling “dumb” and “helpless,” like I would never be successful as a student or working professional. The black and white nature of the subjects taught in high school were discouraging and hard for me to understand. The part that was most disheartening was that I really did care and put forth an honest effort to do well. I grew up playing soccer, and having good grades was a determining factor if I was allowed to play or not. If I didn’t pass my classes, I couldn’t play. In 10th grade, my mom reached out to my teachers and asked if they had noticed any indications of ADHD due to observations she made at home. After receiving treatment for ADHD, my grades did improve, but the feelings of inadequacy remained. The things I worked so hard at, my friends seemed to complete with ease.
During my junior year, I ended up taking psychology as an elective class. I immediately felt refreshed; psychology actually made sense to me. I loved all the moving parts, the complexity, and the critical thinking this subject encouraged. The abstract nature of psychology seemed to click into place with the way I thought.
Fast forward a few years after completing my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, I found myself working with the LGBTQ+ population, teenagers who were cycling through the juvenile justice system, and eventually providing family therapy with Devereux’s Multisystemic Therapy (MST) intensive outpatient program. These work experiences intensified my passion for systemic change. What I felt used to hold me back consequently strengthened my ability to think abstractly and conceptualize multiple moving parts, which allows me to implement constructive strategies and develop therapeutic plans in complex situations.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In life, we all experience obstacles and challenges on the way to achieving our goals. One of the biggest challenges for me in my early years was the underlying feeling of inadequacy. My personal therapy has allowed me to understand my own obstacles and challenges and has made me more empathic, compassionate, and patient with those who are struggling with similar issues. I am so grateful for each and every obstacle that I’ve worked through because it has helped me deepen my skillset in providing therapy.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a licensed mental health counselor and the owner of Hues of Healing Counseling, LLC. I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families who may feel stuck in order to learn communication skills, behavioral strategies, anger management techniques, discipline strategies, and co-parenting techniques. I aim to help my clients attain cohesion, connection, and alignment within themselves and their familial structures. The majority of my practice focuses on assisting couples and families to cope with and break unhealthy cycles within their daily habits, relationships, and family dynamics. I specialize in parent-child conflict communication challenges, impulse control and behavioral issues, relationship difficulties, stress management, anger management, anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and eating issues.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
If someone is interested is beginning counseling, they can send me an email to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if my services would fit their needs. People can support me by sharing my name when a family member, friend, or colleague may be seeking help.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.huesofhealingcounseling.com
