Melissa Ward Counseling Services

12/27/2025

It sucks, but worth it♥️

“Healing begins when we allow ourselves to feel what we’ve long avoided.” — Bessel van der Kolk

So many people move through life carrying feelings they’ve never had a safe space to name — grief, anger, fear, shame, loneliness, overwhelm. And for a long time, avoidance can feel like protection.

But healing doesn’t ask you to be fearless.
It simply asks you to stop carrying everything alone.

Therapy offers a grounded, compassionate space where you can begin to gently explore what you’ve been holding inside — at your pace, with support, and without judgment. Whether you’re navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, or a season of transition, you deserve a place where your emotions are not “too much,” but simply part of being human.

If you’re ready to take the first small step toward healing, we’re here to walk with you.

✨ Now accepting new clients
📲 Start today at www.traumaspecialistsofmd.com

12/22/2025

12/21/2025

Sending love to…
those who don’t feel excited about the holidays.
Those who are tired of being strong.
Those going through big challenges this year.
Those taking things one day at a time.
Those who feel stuck but haven’t stopped trying.
Those spending the holidays alone.

This season can feel heavy in ways that are hard to explain.
Not everyone feels joyful.
Not everyone feels grateful.
And not everyone has the energy to pretend they’re okay.

If you’re moving slowly, that’s still movement.
If you’re resting, that’s still progress.
If you’re just getting through the day, that is more than enough.

You don’t need to have it all figured out.
You don’t need to feel festive to be worthy of love.
And you don’t need to be strong every moment to be brave.

Let this be a reminder that you are not alone in how you feel.
That many hearts are navigating this season softly, carefully, honestly.
And that simply being here, still trying, still hoping
is already something to be proud of.

Sending love to you,
especially if this spoke to your heart. 🤍🥰

12/19/2025

Truth.

This is a post from another therapist but I totally agree.

To anyone in therapy:
Your therapist thinks of you often—long after your session ends. They hold space for your struggles, your breakthroughs, your resilience. They carry your growth with them, not just as part of their work, but because you matter.

Your journey doesn’t stop when the door closes. The healing continues, the shifts happen, the courage builds—even when you don’t see it yet.

You are not alone in this. Keep going.

12/18/2025

The last client before the holidays! I'm excited to share (with his consent) his heart grew 3 sizes, and he is happy he committed to therapy. Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season❄️🎅🏼🎄🕎

12/17/2025

Just being there matters♥️

Holding space in a way that’s supportive isn’t necessarily intuitive.

Most of us are well-intentioned when we give advice or relate the speaker’s situation to one we’re familiar with. We *are* trying to connect, to help, but those sorts of attempts often miss the mark.

Here’s what is helpful:

Really listening to what they’re saying.
Allowing space for supportive, safe, unhurried, unpressured silence.
Asking questions that show that you want to understand.
Reflecting back what you’re hearing them say. I.e., “it sounds like you really don’t want to go tonight.”
Naming and validating the emotional part of the experience.
Mirroring back their goodness and reminding them of who they are when they seem to be struggling to remember.
Asking them if they’d like to hear your perspective or advice before offering it (sometimes they do want this, and sometimes they really don’t.)

More often than not, you don’t have to add new information of any kind to be supportive.
I still believe that for many people, it can feel rare to find friends who know how to really hold space, and that when you offer this gift of space and REALLY being able to listen (and not just waiting for your turn to speak), you’re providing something truly healing and magical.

What’s helpful to you when you’re looking for support?

The Cycle Breakers Program begins January 21st.
This is a 12 month program for those committed to changing their relational patterns - those who have been doing the work and are working to practice walking the talk. Meeting themselves with greater compassion, practicing emotional self-management, and connecting with others as they break cycles for future generations.
https://theeqschool.co/cycle-breakers

12/15/2025

DBTskills

12/13/2025

12/12/2025

Oh, and feelings are not facts🙃

Emotions rise and fall like waves on the ocean. Sometimes they roar, sometimes they whisper, but they always move on. You’re not the wave—you’re the ocean underneath.

12/11/2025

Preach🙏 Just because someone isn't hyperactive, it doesn't mean they don't have ADHD. Or that inattentive ADHD isn't important to address. 🙋‍♀️