- Client-Centered approach
- Solution-Focused methods
- Career planning using RIASEC
About Melissa
Melissa Upton is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Mississippi with 14 years of counseling experience. She has a background in school counseling and has worked in the public school system for many years. Melissa focuses on concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationships, anger, self-esteem, depression, family issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related difficulties, parenting, career questions, coping with life changes, and ADHD.
She uses client-centered methods to keep sessions focused on the person in front of her. Melissa also draws on solution-focused strategies to help identify small, practical steps toward change. In conversation she listens for patterns in relationships, work, and daily routines that can be adjusted to reduce stress and increase direction.
Her experience includes helping adolescents with anger management, depression, anxiety, coping skills, relationship challenges, and ADHD within school settings. She now offers more one-on-one counseling beyond the school environment and aims to bring that background into adult work as well. She also uses John Holland’s RIASEC career framework when addressing academic or career planning.
Sessions typically look at immediate problems and workable options. Melissa helps people talk through upsetting events, sort priorities, and try small changes that fit day-to-day life. She encourages practical self-help skills and steady practice rather than quick fixes.
People seeking help with blended family dynamics, communication problems, control issues, divorce or separation, domestic violence concerns, fatherhood issues, guilt and shame, life purpose, money and financial stress, self-harm thoughts, or social anxiety may find her experience relevant. Melissa conducts sessions in English and works from Mississippi.
How her approaches shape online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters to the person. Sessions prioritize the client’s concerns, giving time to talk through feelings about work, relationships, or life changes and to identify the areas the client wants to change.Solution-Focused Therapy looks for small, practical steps that move a person toward their goals. It concentrates on what works now and builds on strengths to address stress, anxiety, career questions, and coping with transitions.
Choosing the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively to match methods to the client's goals, needs, and preferences. That means trying ideas in session and adjusting the focus if something isn’t helpful.
Confirm the exact session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online work can make scheduling easier and fit therapy into a busy week. It can reduce travel time, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and make it simpler to connect during breaks or between other commitments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
14+ years
Listed in
Mississippi
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she support?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, anger, self-esteem, trauma and abuse, parenting, career questions, ADHD and related problems.
How does she approach someone who feels stuck?
Her style is client-centered and practical. She listens, helps set small goals, and uses solution-focused steps to test changes that fit daily life.
How much experience does she bring?
She has 14 years of counseling experience and many years working in the Mississippi public school system with adolescents.
What are her credentials and location?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Mississippi.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she accept international clients?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What do I need to do to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.