Melissa Maynes , LMHC, LMFT

Melissa Maynes is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) practicing in Washington, with more than 15 years of clinical experience. She has worked as a substance use disorder professional and has extensive experience working with military clients, giving her a clear understanding of military culture and lifestyle.

Her work spans a broad range of concerns, including addiction, depression, anxiety, relationship and family struggles, midlife or existential crises, divorce, career transitions, and parenting challenges. Melissa’s approach is open, nonjudgmental, and interactive; she aims to empower clients to make meaningful changes and to build skills that support long-term well-being.

Clinically, she emphasizes cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing while also incorporating family systems perspectives to address relational patterns and dynamics. She treats clients as the experts in their own lives and collaborates to tailor conversations and treatment plans to each person’s specific needs and goals. Building a trusting therapeutic relationship is central to her practice, and she encourages clients who are ready to take steps toward growth and healing.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Melissa Maynes uses evidence-informed methods designed to address thoughts, motivation, and personal narratives. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress and to build practical coping skills. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented style that helps people resolve ambivalence and strengthen their own motivation for change, especially useful for addictions and behavior change. Narrative Therapy helps clients examine the stories they tell about themselves, separate problems from identity, and rewrite those narratives in ways that support healing and agency.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work. Melissa collaborates with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and adapts the plan over time so therapy stays relevant and effective. This collaborative process helps clients feel engaged in their own care.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur by video call or phone, and conversations can continue through live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to access therapy around work, family, and other commitments, and allow licensed professionals to meet clients where they are while maintaining a consistent course of care.