Melissa Rakowitz

Melissa Rakowitz

Melissa (she/her) is a masters student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina.

She approaches her work with clients with a reverence for diversity to help clients feel seen, heard and supported. Melissa's counseling philosophy draws from Person-Centered therapy, acknowledging each individual’s unique story and world view. She draws from numerous orientations including CBT, DBT, and ACT, in addition to approaches from yoga. Her style is grounding, patient, and contemplative.

Melissa Rakowitz

Melissa may be a good fit for you if...

you find yourself feeling distracted, rushed, or stressed. You may notice you do not feel as present as you would like in your relationships, and your heart is burdened with anxiety or depression.

You may also desire to explore who you are, including aspects of your identity you are just beginning to examine or present to the world.

Who she works with:

  • Adults residing throughout North Carolina
  • Fellow LGBTQIA+ individuals
  • Members of the consensual non-monogamy and/or kink communities

What concerns she works with:

  • Anxiety and stress 
  • Gender and sexual identity exploration, including the coming out journey
  • Regulating intense emotions and learning how to self-soothe
  • Managing life transitions and new chapters
  • Challenging relationships with friends, partners, family members, or co-workers

What approaches she uses:

  • Depression: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Emotion Difficulties: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills
  • Anxiety: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Mindfulness
  • Identity and Life Transition work: Person-Centered Therapy, Multicultural Therapy, Existential Psychotherapy
  • As appropriate, applications from Yoga (including movement, breathwork, meditation, philosophy)

Her experience includes:

  • Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina Central University (in progress)
  • Completion of Practicum at Creasman Counseling PLLC
  • Bachelors of Psychology from University of California Santa Cruz
  • Teaching mindfulness with Mindful Families of Durham
  • Trauma informed Yoga Certification through Mind Body Centering Yoga (MBCY-200hr)

In her free time she enjoys:

  • Writing music, singing, and playing ukulele
  • Enjoying nature near and far with her dog
  • Many forms of movement, including yoga and dance

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