Grief Therapists in Louisville, KY

While I am trained in counseling theories and techniques, I believe using the Bible as a guide to explore the emotions that often paralyze our daily lives and relationships is fundamental to reaching healing and growth. I have earned a Doctor of Education, Master of Education, Post-Master in Marriage & Family Therapy, and a Kentucky License in Pastoral Counseling.

Hello there! I help children, teens, and parents overcome mental health struggles and provide parents with tools to better connect with their children. Raising children can be very difficult. You may feel like you have done everything you can and still feel stuck. Together, we can embark on a journey of healing and connection to help meet the needs, goals, and freedom your family is craving.

I have worked in the mental health field for 15 years. I am particularly experienced in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, relationship difficulties, trauma, and bereavement/grief and loss.

I specialize in working with grief, loss, and trauma and also have experience working with anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, depression, and relationship issues. I take a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to therapy and enjoy relating to and uncovering a person’s highest self. In my work with clients, I draw from mindfulness-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as well as from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Buddhist Psychology, and Existential approaches. Additionally, I am trained in EMDR, an evidence-based treatment for trauma.

If you are seeking healing, or desire to lead a healthier and happier life, I assist clients struggling with anxiety, depression and interpersonal distress, integrating spirituality and experiential elements to address the needs of the whole person. I enjoy working with persons of all ages.

Life is too short to suffer with emotional pain and feeling lost from ourselves. I recognize how difficult it can be to open up and share details about ourselves. I believe my clients deserve to be treated with empathy, respect, warmth, and patience without judgment or shame.

I enjoy working with individuals, adolescents through seniors, of all gender identities, as well as couples and families; empowering clients and working towards overall well-being. My style of therapy is considered laid back and conversational but always tailored to what each individual needs and likes. Whether it be anxiety, grief processing, sexual & domestic/intimate partner violence, or caregiver support- I have something to offer everyone through traditional and holistic approaches. Additionally, I provide LGBTQ+ support and embrace alt-lifestyles.

I believe that my role is that of a guide in one's journey of healing and growth. I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches and I utilize my skills and experience to help clients address difficult life experiences and to create new and healthier ways to manage their lives. Trust and the therapeutic relationship are the foundations for change and the relationship is one of mutuality and empowerment. Some of my specialties are: women issues, depression, anxiety, parent/child issues, and PTSD to name a few.

Empowerment Life Coaching is based on a holistic approach toward mental health: blending the collaborative elements of coaching with the academic support of Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Women’s & Gender Studies. This method offers a radical shift into providing wellness care focused on mind, body, and spirit. I specialize in women’s empowerment, reparenting, compassion fatigue, burnout, grief, and pet loss. I also love helping clients identify and develop boundaries and encourage their capacity to integrate into everyday life. The goal is to feel empowered, embodied, and deeply connected to your authentic Self.

04/01/2024 - FLEXIBLE EVENING AND WEEKEND OPENINGS. My approach is empathetic, mindful, and strength based. I bring a strong appreciation for the uniqueness of each person, as together we work toward coping and growth. I believe that you have the power to determine and accomplish your personal goals, and that I can help you to reach your intention. We can accomplish this together by utilizing various approaches; with a focus on techniques based in stress reduction, emotional regulation, and unconditional positive regard.

If you are motivated to understand the conscious and unconscious forces and meanings that shape your experience and relationships; If you feel you are without choices; if you are struggling with questions of self-worth; if you are grieving; if you feel hurt, betrayed or abandoned, I encourage you to take the brave first step toward your self by entering into this safe space of non-judgment. I desire to create a safe and therapeutic space where individuals feel the safety to be seen and known.

In this rapidly changing world, stress, anxiety, and depression will sometimes take hold of your mind. This could leave you feeling on the edge of an emotional cliff. At these times it is okay, and important to reach out for a hand up. My early training in chemical dependency, hospice, and trauma counseling has equipped me to guide you through the reduction of many life problems.

I am fortunate and profoundly grateful to have found my passion (which also happens to be my career) in supporting people across the lifespan - children, teens, adults and families through struggles and challenges due to chronic medical conditions, anxiety, trauma, grief, parenting that our lives and our chaotic world present. I use an eclectic approach rooted in neuroscience and relational neurobiology to meet you where you are with what works for you.

Challenges in relationships, whether with spouses, partners, or with a parent and their children, help determine one's sense of security and well being at home. Work related demands and other difficulties can be additional stresses. It's vitally important that you, a potential client, and I develop rapport which will help us effectively address your concerns. I enjoy people and hope to do my best in responding to you as we build on what's already working well in your life at this time.

Starting counseling can be hard...what will counseling sessions be like, which therapist will be the best fit, and what if I don't "click" with the therapist? Utilizing over 28 years of experience, i can help make starting the process more comfortable and less intimidating. I help clients successfully manage depression, anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties, substance-use, body image, and stress-related issues in a warm. judgment-free, supportive environment. I am currently accepting new adult clients in WV and KY.

I love my work and enjoy offering my clients a safe and supportive environment for them to grow and explore themselves. My style is both conversational and relational. I offer an authentic presence within a collaborative, lively relationship in which self-discovery can be non-threatening and perhaps, even fun. I am committed to sharing everything I know which I believe will help heal the difficulties in one's life. I am inspired each day by the courage clients have each moment they show up for therapy. I became a therapist because, to me, the value in life comes when you return to your value within.

I’m Melissa Johnson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Internal Family Systems practitioner. I offer consultation services to therapists and individual therapy services to adults who want to address life transitions, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, recovery maintenance, and trauma. Additionally, I offer clinical supervision to social workers, facilitate a peer consultation group, and teach a course on Conflict Management to individuals and organizations.

I am constantly expanding my knowledge and level of expertise in different fields. I am continuing to learn more about grief and loss and how it may impact us on a daily basis.

I enjoy working with couples and families to help build communication, foster safety and strengthen connections. I also value my work with adolescents as they navigate difficult changes, whether it be addressing childhood trauma, life cycle changes or grief and loss. My integrative approach allows me to work systemically, whether with individuals, couples and families.