Melissa Maaske , LICSW

Melissa Maaske is a licensed clinical social worker with ten years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, and self-esteem struggles. She holds the LICSW credential, which indicates advanced clinical training and state licensure to provide psychotherapy in Minnesota. Melissa approaches therapy with respect and compassion, acknowledging that reaching out for help can feel daunting and takes real courage.

She concentrates on building a collaborative therapeutic relationship that supports clients as they explore patterns, make decisions, and work toward more satisfying connections with themselves and others. Whether someone is wrestling with uncertainty, difficulty making choices, or feeling unheard by a partner, Melissa aims to offer steady guidance and practical tools tailored to each person’s goals. She affirms the value of investing in personal growth and recovery, and she encourages clients to take the steps that feel right for them.

Melissa frames therapy as a process of developing deeper self-understanding and more fulfilling daily life. Her practice centers on listening carefully, offering empathy, and helping clients identify paths forward that align with their strengths and values.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Melissa integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy into her online work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, making it useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships, which can be especially helpful for intense emotions and interpersonal difficulties.

Melissa also draws on Motivational Interviewing to support people who are ambivalent about change. This approach uses collaborative conversation to clarify goals and strengthen personal motivation, often aiding work around addictions, lifestyle shifts, or engagement in treatment.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Melissa works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors interventions and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility for busy schedules and diverse circumstances. Melissa provides sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing clients to choose the format that feels most accessible. These options can make it easier to maintain continuity of care, attend appointments from different locations, and access licensed professionals without added travel time.