Meet melanie luken-teng, lisw-s

You have the capacity to heal.

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a beige and black plaid jacket, smiling at the camera.

You want to see yourself in a new light.

You’re in the right place.

I’m here to help you examine and re-write your story.

Many of us hold stories of our own inadequacy, over-responsibility, and helplessness. Sometimes these feelings come up when you least expect them. Sometimes that old story is playing most of the day, every day.

I use a variety of interventions to support you in changing these feelings and editing that story. Some clients benefit from skills training allowing them to change their responses and feel more confident about how they manage various aspects of life. Some clients benefit from EMDR therapy to shift deeply held negative beliefs. Some clients need to address trauma and dissociation symptoms through a combination of skills training, education, relational work, and EMDR therapy. We will figure out the right plan for you to meet your goals.

My style

I believe in the value of the therapeutic relationship.

A client once told me that the most helpful part of our work was her experience that I was rooting for her and believed in her. I think about this often. I teach many skills and strategies, and I pull on lots of experience to help clients address emotional needs. However, the relationship that I have with clients and the feeling of being seen and believed in is foundational. I prioritize that relationship as a therapist.

My goal is to challenge you and push you to grow, within a compassionate and genuine atmosphere.

A cozy therapy office with a large window letting in sunlight, a brown leather couch with pillows, a teal armchair with a blanket, two white bookshelves filled with books and plants, a colorful patterned rug, and various decorative items.

My guiding principles

Compassion

Many clients start off with very little compassion for themselves. Part of my role as a therapist is to model a practice of compassion.

Systemic Lens

We don't experience depression, anxiety, or trauma in a bubble. It is essential to acknowledge the ways in which our various systems play a role in our emotional well-being.

Genuineness

I believe in you. I believe that sharing genuine feedback, including my own thoughts, perspective, and emotions at times - can be invaluable in shifting your perspective.

Training & Education

  • B.A. The Ohio State University, 2010

  • MSW, The Ohio State University, 2012

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy training completed in 2014 - through Behavioral Tech

  • EMDR Training completed in 2016 - through EMDR Consulting

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children training completed in 2019 - through Behavioral Tech

  • EMDRIA certification since 2021

Contact Me