Melissa Addessi, LPC
Anxiety, Trauma, & Life Transitions Therapist in Virginia Beach
Helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and life's challenges with compassion, curiosity, and evidence-based care.
Evidence-Based Care
Virtual Across VA
Telehealth Only
Insurance Accepted
A Personal Welcome
Seeking therapy can feel like a big step, especially when you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or a major life transition, you deserve a space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported.
I believe that meaningful change begins with understanding yourself more deeply. My role isn't to tell you how to live your life or provide all the answers. Instead, I work alongside you to explore your experiences with curiosity, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and help you discover solutions that feel authentic to who you are.
My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and personalized. I strive to create a safe, judgment-free environment where you can openly explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of criticism. Every person brings a unique story to therapy, and I tailor treatment to your individual strengths, goals, and needs.
Drawing from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and person-centered therapy, we'll work together to strengthen self-awareness, develop practical coping strategies, and build resilience. My hope is that therapy becomes a place where you not only find relief from current struggles but also gain the confidence and perspective to continue growing long after our work together.
Areas of Focus
Trauma
Depression
Anxiety
PTSD
Stress
ADHD
Life Transitions
Burnout
My Approach
Clients often appreciate my calm, accepting presence and collaborative style. I believe people already possess many of the strengths needed for healing, and therapy provides the opportunity to uncover those strengths while developing new perspectives and practical tools for lasting change.
Judgement Free
Healing begins when you feel accepted exactly as you are. I strive to create an environment where you can speak openly, explore difficult emotions, and feel supported throughout the therapeutic process.
Greater Self-Awareness
Understanding why you think, feel, and respond the way you do can create meaningful opportunities for change. Together, we'll explore patterns, increase self-awareness, and help you better understand yourself with compassion rather than criticism.
Practical Growth
Insight is only one part of therapy. We'll also focus on developing practical strategies you can use in everyday life to manage challenges, strengthen resilience, and move toward the life you want to create.
Clinical Modalities
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Person-Centered Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Strengths-Based Therapy
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Education & Credentials
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Board Approved Clinical Supervisor
M.A., Lesley University
Telehealth throughout Virginia
Ongoing training in evidence-based treatment approaches
Frequently Asked Questions
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Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. We'll discuss what's bringing you to therapy, explore your goals, and begin building a plan that feels personalized to your needs. My priority is creating a space where you feel comfortable, supported, and never rushed.
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I work with teens and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, stress, relationship concerns, self-esteem challenges, and other emotional difficulties. I enjoy helping clients gain greater self-understanding while building practical skills for everyday life.
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My approach is collaborative, person-centered, and evidence-based. I believe meaningful change happens when clients feel genuinely heard, develop greater self-awareness, and discover solutions that align with their own values and goals.
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Depending on your needs, therapy may incorporate CBT, ACT, mindfulness, person-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, strengths-based interventions, and trauma-informed care. Every treatment plan is tailored to your individual goals.
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Yes. I provide secure telehealth sessions for clients throughout Virginia. I do not offer in-person sessions at this time.
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I accept many major insurance plans. You can view our current insurance information here, or contact us if you have questions about your specific plan.
Ready to get started?
Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, but you don't have to take it alone. If you're ready to better understand yourself, work through life's challenges, and move toward meaningful change, I'd be honored to be part of that journey.
“Perhaps the greatest tragedy of our lives is that freedom is possible, yet we can spend years trapped in the same patterns.”