Works with
- Anger
- Stress, Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Self esteem
- Depression
How Melissa works
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LPC
- Licensed in
- Wisconsin
- Years in practice
- 8
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Melissa
Melissa Madriaga is a licensed professional counselor who offers straightforward, practical support for people struggling with stress, anger, anxiety, and related concerns. She aims to make therapy workable for busy lives and speaks plainly about goals and next steps. Melissa draws on eight years of counseling experience.
She spent time supporting people involved with the criminal justice system and has worked with people who have experienced homelessness. She also has experience supporting LGBTQ individuals and people from underserved communities.
Background and approach
Her training includes a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She holds an LPC credential in Wisconsin and brings that clinical background into sessions without using jargon. In therapy she uses approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to address behaviors, thoughts, and stress responses.
She also uses client-centered and narrative approaches to help people tell their story and make changes that fit their lives. Melissa is a single mother and lives in a small Wisconsin town where she enjoys hiking, biking, and time outdoors with her children and pets. She aims to meet people where they are and work collaboratively toward practical steps.
Her practice supports a wide range of concerns including eating and body-image issues, trauma and abuse, addictions, parenting strain, family conflict, life transitions, grief, and coping after loss. She focuses on helping people build tools for handling anger, improving communication, and managing day-to-day stress.
What Melissa works with
Everything Melissa lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Melissa's practice.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Coping with life changes
- Abandonment
- Blended family issues
- Body image
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Eating and food-related issues
- Family problems
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Money and financial issues
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
Approaches Melissa lists
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Approaches for online work and practical coping
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and making the sessions reflect what matters most to the person. The therapist follows the client's lead, asks questions, and helps people notice what they already do well and where they want change.Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at patterns of thinking and behavior that keep problems going. It uses clear steps and exercises to change unhelpful thoughts, manage anger, reduce anxiety, and build coping skills.
Finding the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, try methods that match those goals, and adjust over time based on what helps most. That collaborative process helps shape the plan rather than assuming one method fits every person.
Online sessions use video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs. Video is good for face-to-face conversation and modeling skills, phone can be a simpler option with lower bandwidth, and chat or text work well for short check-ins or when typing feels easier. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to continue work between appointments.
Questions people ask about Melissa
What kinds of problems does Melissa help with?
She supports people facing stress, anger, anxiety, depression, eating and body image concerns, addictions, trauma and related life changes.
What is her style of therapy like?
Sessions are practical and down-to-earth, blending client-centered listening with cognitive behavioral and mindfulness techniques to address thoughts and behaviors.
How much experience does she have?
Melissa has eight years of counseling experience, including work with incarcerated people and those who have experienced homelessness.
Where is she licensed and based?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, practicing in Wisconsin.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are offered online?
Therapy is available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging.
How are fees and payment handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.