Melissa Koehler, MSW, LSW
About Me
Hi, my name is Melissa and working with children and families is my passion! I would describe myself as extroverted, spontaneous, disciplined, and organized. I try to have fun and find joy in life whether it be hosting a themed party, celebrating a birthday or the simple things like an iced coffee or listening to music (SWIFTIE!) As a kid, I loved to play sports and still find that exercising daily decreases my stress and helps me better handle life’s difficulties. I also love coming home to cuddle with my two wonderful pets, a cat Karma (yes like the Taylor Swift song) and a dog Lua.
My Specialities
PARENTING & ATTACHMENT ISSUES
Trauma
Anxiety
Depression
Separation Anxiety
Lil Bit More Info
AGES SEEN
Melissa likes to work with pre-school and elementary aged students the most, but will see up to age 13. She loves to work with parents on attachment with children 0-2!
Melissa’s ideal client is a child or teen who may be experience emotional, behavioral, or social challenges and whose family is open to collaborating with her through the therapeutic process to reach a common goal. She works best with children and families who can benefit from a strengths-based and developmentally appropriate approach.
PHILOSOPHY
Melissa truly enjoys utilizing her knowledge of the different stages of development and the impact this has on a child to help families develop appropriate expectations and consequences, foster trust, and improve emotional regulation. She believes that a parent plays an integral role in a child’s mental health and therapeutic process. While therapy can provide a safe space for children to explore their emotions and practice new skills, the lasting growth happens when these skills are reinforced and supported at home.
Melissa believes the trajectory of kids’ lives can be changed by the support they receive as a child. She believes it is a priveldge to have the opportunity to support a child and their family as they overcome challenges and achieve goals.
Q & A TIME
What is a quote that has meaning to you?
From My Misgivings About Advice, one of my favorite quotes is, “The human soul doesn’t want to be advised, or fixed, or saved. It simply wants to be witnessed, exactly as it is” by Parker Palmer. It has been in my signature at the end of my email for over 6 years as a reminder of the true meaning of being present.
How do you try to help children & families reach lasting change?
I try to create a collaborative, strengths-based therapeutic environment that extends beyond the session. My approach including building trusting relationships and rapport, individualized interventions, engage parents in active involvement, and practicing skill building and empowerment.
If you could give parents one piece of advice, what would it be?
Do not be afraid to say you are sorry. Whether that be for raising your voice, a decision you made, or about being wrong. You are teaching your children that it is okay to mess up. Most importantly, do not forget to say sorry to yourself and give yourself grace. You and your child are both learning how to navigate life.
Education & Experience
Melissa is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) who is working on her hours towards her LCSW. She attended Indiana University School of Social Work. She completed her undergraduate degree at Ball State University (chirp chirp!) In undergrad, she double-minored in Counselling Psychology and Psychology of Human Development. In her Masters program, she concentrated her learning in the realm of children, youth, and families. One of her favorite classes in graduate school was Confronting Loss, Grief, Death, and Bereavement. In our society, these topics are so taboo and equally as hard to talk about and yet is so important to have the space to process such a tough experience!
Master's Of Social Work
from Indiana University
Bachelor's of Art
double minor in Counseling Psychology and Psychology of Human Development
Additional Training
Teaching-Family Model, infant mental health, attachment styles and parenting
Worked in Home Based Services
as service provider to DCS involved familes and as a supervisor