Melissa Schnaar has over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families. She understands that when a child is struggling, everyone in the family is affected. Melissa works with parents to better understand their children and identify ways to help the family system work better for everyone. Melissa uses an integrative approach working with children, using a variety of therapeutic methods that are developmentally age appropriate and child-centered. She strives to understand the child or adolescent’s individual needs and seeks to develop a trusting relationship in a safe environment. This enables her clients to freely and safely express themselves. Together with the family, Melissa will work to develop an individual treatment plan with the goal of helping each client meet his or her potential. She utilizes expressive therapies such as play, sand and art to provide alternative forms of communication and expression. As part of the therapeutic process with your child, Melissa may include family therapy or separate parent guidance sessions. Melissa has focused much of her career on working with children who have experienced trauma and related issues such as emotional dysregulation, self-injury, dissociation, eating concerns, and loss issues.

Fun Fact: I believe football season is the best season. I am a huge University of Michigan and Ravens fan. On football weekends I can be found either at the games or on my couch supporting both Harbaughs!