Melissa Lester, LCSW, GA | Psychotherapist

About Melissa Lester

Focus areas

Anxiety

Emotional Overeating

Weight Management

Bereavement / Grief Counseling

LGBTQ+ Counseling

Women's Issues Therapy

Childhood Trauma

Somatic Therapy

Clientele seen

Adults (25-64)

Groups

Seniors (65+)

Individuals

Treatment approaches

Attachment-based

Eclectic

Compassion Focused

Energy Psychology

Culturally Sensitive

Feminist

Identity

Gender

Female

Ethnicity

White

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Melissa Lester

My specialties include Women's Issues, Anxiety, Stress, Overwhelm, Emotional Eating, Overeating, Trauma Resolution, Family of Origin Issues, LGBTQ and Coming Out Later in Life Issues, Life Cycle Transitions, and Grief and Loss. I hold a Master's in Social Work from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. My therapeutic approaches include Psychodynamic (Insight-Oriented Therapy), Somatic Body-based processing, Meditation and Mindfulness, EFT Tapping (Acupressure), Progressive Counting, Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy, and more. I specialize in working with women and welcome you to this safe space. Good therapy is an intimate collaboration where you must feel safe, seen, heard, and honored. Together, we will honor your pace, your path, and your preferences. Significantly, all of the tools and approaches we use together will also be tools you can use on your own, outside of the therapy room. Our collaboration should bring you the greatest relief possible, as quickly as possible, and some joy and laughter along the way.

What should a new client know about working with you?

Our work together is likely to offer you... 1) Deeper understanding and connection to Self 2) Access to agency in your life and relationships 3) Relief from chronic distress (once and for all) 4) Effective emotional regulation skills 5) Healthier boundaries in all arenas of life 6) A life that is peaceful, meaningful & created by you.

What is your typical process for working with clients?

Once we have established a warm, genuine connection my process is simultaneously organic and clearly directed by our mutual goal of helping you achieve long-term relief from the distress that is weighing you down. Whether the source of your distress is past, present or even future, together we will weave talk therapy with body-based distress resolution methods that you will also be able to use on your own. My end goal for you is always long-term, lasting relief and not simply coping. By helping you process your sources of distress physically, mentally and emotionally, we can ensure that they are, in fact, completely processed. In other words, once distress has been completely and effectively processed, it no longer lies in wait for you around every corner. While I am trained is several therapy approaches, ranging from traditional to more 'alternative and complementary,' we will always work in the way that feels most helpful for you. All of the approaches I am trained in can be used on their own, or woven seamlessly together. We will work at your pace, using tools and approaches that resonate with you.

In-network insurances

Out-of-pocket fees and assistance

Initial session: $300 for 60 minutes

Ongoing session: $240 for 60 minutes

Popular visit reasons

Agoraphobia

Depression

Group Therapy

New Patient Visit

Pain Management Consultation

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Worry

Agoraphobia

Depression

Group Therapy

New Patient Visit

Education and background

Practice names

Women's Therapy & Counseling

Education and training

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Master's in Social Work

Awards and publications

Melissa Lester is trained in Hypnosis by both The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and the Anxiety and Stress Management Institute.

NPI number

1508929241

Patient reviews

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Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Melissa Lester?

Generally, Melissa Lester has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Melissa Lester's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is Melissa Lester accepting new patients?

Melissa Lester generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Melissa Lester's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does Melissa Lester accept my insurance?

Choose your insurance plan to verify if Melissa Lester is in-network.

Can I make an appointment with Melissa Lester online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with Melissa Lester using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

What practice does Melissa Lester work with?

Melissa Lester works with Women's Therapy & Counseling.

What are common reasons for patients to see Melissa Lester?

Melissa Lester frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, and Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit. You can see other visit reasons for Melissa Lester on their profile.