Melissa von der Heide, MA, LMFT

04/21/2026

Nine years ago I committed to one year of trying to build a private practice. Lucky for me I found success in that first year and kept going. As I recently said to one of my clients (warning it's cheesy) "thanks for growing with me."

04/20/2026

Who wants to get together for some girl talk? Come spend Mondays with Camryn and myself as we talk about issues facing girls right now

04/15/2026

Take 3 deep breaths and count to 10. How many times have you heard that? How many times has it worked? The key to the deep breaths is taking your time with that inhale and exhale. Inhale 4-exhale 6. Or do what we did as children and blow bubbles. Spent a good 30 minutes blowing bubbles with one of my favorite little guys

*this is not a client*

01/21/2026

While studying at Elon, I had one psychology professor that had a huge impact on me, Maureen Vandermaas-Peeler. In developmental psychology and in undergrad research we focused on and talked a great deal about the importance of play. In sessions, I have built Legos, played laser tag, played card and board games and have spent sessions coloring.

It brings me so much joy to see approximately 6 snowmen on my drive from home to the office. Jersey has not had big storms the last few years. This past weekend while they were small storms it was enough for some big snowmen. Here is my favorite from my drive (I was stopped on the side of the road to get this picture)

01/21/2026

12/30/2025

The year contained many personal ups and downs. That's just part of life. Something that isn't coming into 2026 is people who don't make my life better. Good vibes and good for the soul only

12/22/2025

If you have to work the week of a holiday make sure you take a break to have some fun. My work break included pizza, Legos, crafts and book reading with one of my favorite little friends

(not a client. Just quality time with my friend's child)

12/11/2025

The end of the year is always crazy. Even the elves are dropping by for a quick mental health check in

12/04/2025

Kiddos can't always talk about their feelings but they can sure draw or in this case rate how big their feelings are inside of them. It amazes me every time when they acknowledge how big the big feelings are

11/18/2025

Here in NJ, 1 in 13 children will lose a parent or sibling before turning 18. Nationally it is 1 in 12 children. Children's grief often gets overlooked because "kids are resilient". The loss of a family member impacts a child for a lifetime, especially when it comes to a parent or sibling.

I hope you are able to join us this Thursday as a time of remembering and connecting with others. This event is open to all ages

11/08/2025

A population that is very near and dear to my heart. Please share and stop by if you can