Therapist profile
Melissa McHenry, LPC, LCPC
Illinois
Licensed counselor - Anger and trauma issues
Continue with MelissaKey details
- CredentialsLPC, LCPC
- LicenseLCPC, Illinois / 180005358; LPC, Missouri / 2024039437
- NPI1225185887
- Experience23 years
- LanguagesEnglish
- LocationIllinois
About
- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship struggles
- Trauma and abuse
About Melissa
Melissa McHenry is an LPC and an LCPC licensed in Missouri and Illinois with 23 years of professional experience. She holds a master’s degree in adult psychology and a master’s degree in child psychology. She helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, anger, depression, grief, and career strain. She also works with those affected by trauma and abuse and with people navigating relationship struggles or LGBT issues.
Melissa uses straightforward conversation to identify what is causing distress. Sessions focus on practical steps to reduce reactivity, manage strong emotions, and improve day-to-day functioning. She pays attention to safety concerns such as self-injurious behavior and responds to signs of trauma with care.
Her background includes long-term clinical work across a variety of settings. That experience informs how she organizes sessions and sets reasonable goals. She aims to match the pace and focus to each person’s needs rather than following a rigid formula.
In the room she listens for patterns that feed anger and resentment, and she helps people practice different responses. Treatment planning includes short-term strategies for calming down and longer-term skills for problem solving and relationship communication.
Starting therapy with Melissa begins with a few practical steps: a brief questionnaire and a scheduled first session. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Prospective clients should confirm current session options before booking.
How sessions work
How evidence-based techniques are used in online work
The therapist’s practice draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address strong emotions and trauma-related responses. One common approach focuses on skills training for emotion regulation - teaching specific steps to notice rising anger, slow physiological arousal, and choose a calmer response. This helps with day-to-day irritability and heated moments.A second approach emphasizes trauma-informed care that recognizes how past abuse or PTSD shapes reactions now. This involves pacing the work, stabilizing distress, and building coping skills before addressing painful memories when appropriate.
Deciding which approach fits best is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with clients to identify goals, try different methods, and adjust the plan based on what helps. That conversation is part of early sessions and continues over time.
Session logistics should be confirmed before booking since specific formats are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example a shorter check-in may fit a work break or choosing audio only can reduce the need to be on camera. Ask about the current session options when you complete the initial questionnaire.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Experience
23+ years
Listed in
Illinois, Missouri
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, anger, depression, grief, relationship strain, career issues, bipolar concerns, and trauma or abuse.
How does she approach anger in sessions?
She focuses on identifying patterns that lead to reactive responses and practices practical strategies to reduce reactivity and improve communication.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 23 years of professional work experience in clinical settings.
What are her credentials and where is she licensed?
She holds the credentials LPC and LCPC and is licensed in Missouri as an LPC and in Illinois as an LCPC.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are sessions arranged and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What do I do to begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.