- Client-centered care
- CBT and mindfulness
- Works with eating issues
About Melissa
Melissa Madriaga is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Wisconsin who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and issues around eating and self-esteem. She also supports people dealing with addictions, trauma and abuse, parenting strain, relationship concerns, and major life changes. Her approach aims to make therapy useful and practical for everyday life.
Melissa brings eight years of counseling experience and a background that includes work with incarcerated and homeless populations. She served seven years in the United States Army Reserves and holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. Her work reflects experience with diverse and underserved communities and with LGBTQ people.
In sessions she uses a mix of approaches to match what each person needs. She practices client-centered techniques that focus on the person’s experience, and cognitive behavioral methods that look at how thoughts relate to feelings and behavior. Mindfulness and narrative ideas also appear in her work to help people notice patterns and reframe difficult stories.
Melissa has experience helping people with eating and food-related issues and has completed an Eating Disorder Certification Program. She balances clinical work with family life as a mother of two and the owner of a small private practice called Inner Balance Counseling.
People interested in money and financial issues will find that this is listed among her additional focus areas. To start, readers should confirm current session options and scheduling details when they reach out to set up a first appointment.
How Melissa’s Approaches Translate to Online Work
Client-centered therapy focuses on the person and their experience, with the therapist listening deeply and reflecting what matters most. This approach helps people feel heard and clarifies what they want to change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and helps people try new behaviors and coping skills to reduce distress.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Melissa will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences, and she adjusts strategies over time based on what helps most.
Confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are available. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when that works better. They also let people bring what’s happening in everyday life into the conversation, which can help with topics like stress, routines, and money-related decisions.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Melissa commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, eating and body image issues, self-esteem, addictions, trauma, relationship and family challenges, parenting strain, anger, and coping with life changes.
What is her general therapy style?
Sessions blend client-centered listening with cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness. The focus is on practical steps and understanding patterns that keep problems going.
What is her professional background?
Melissa has eight years of counseling experience, a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and prior work with incarcerated and homeless populations. She also served seven years in the Army Reserves.
Where is she licensed and based?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Wisconsin and runs a private practice called Inner Balance Counseling.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are costs and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with her?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.