MELISSA HUDSON, PHD, LICENSED MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST SUPERVISOR
Thank you for taking the time to visit my website. I doubt you're interested in my resume or hobbies. Rather, I suspect you want to know if I can help you and if we will be a good fit. So I'll leave the list of credentials at the bottom and tell you a bit about why I do this work and the people who are the best fit to work with me.
I am passionate about this work because IT WORKS and changes lives, for people who commit to it. I've lived it and seen it in my practice. I know what it takes to make real change in your life and relationships; it's profound and can change individuals but whole family systems as well. I work best with clients who are tired of being unhappy, and they are ready to make some changes. No therapist can change you; only you can do that. I am here to facilitate and support you in that change.
I'm not a sit back and nod kind of therapist. I jump in with you, and we work with what you bring. I've heard and experienced a lot after over a decade in private practice. You'll learn, I'm not afraid to talk about whatever you need to share: sex, money, fear, shame, spending, pornography, binge eating, regret, anxiety. Let's put it all out there to achieve your therapeutic objectives. This is the place to be authentic and get real. And get real, I do. I am patient, validating, and empathetic, but I will also challenge you at times and call you on your stuff. I work hard on this being a safe, real relationship where we say hard things, work through them productively, and keep it moving. That sort of relationship is new for some and that is what I am modeling intentionally.
It's well known in the field of therapy that couples therapy work is difficult and not suited for every therapist; nonetheless, I have specialized in couples therapy because I believe in the power and importance of healthy relationships. I also know that one of the best ways to help children is to help their parents. I work best with motivated couples who want to explore their relationship patterns and dynamics and get unstuck (grow). Stagnant, unwilling to make changes bores the crap out of me at this stage of my career--save your money if that describes you because therapy is about everyone learning and growing.
So, do I know my stuff? Yes, I sure do! And if your concerns don't fit my expertise, I will help you with referrals. It needs to be a good fit for everyone. If you're ready to do your part, I'm ready to help. I am truly passionate about this work.
Biographical & Resume Information
I grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, spending all 17 years of my childhood there before moving to Nashville for college. Many moves later, I landed in the Dallas area in 2005 and began pursuing my journey to be a psychotherapist in my mid 30s.
I have varied professional and life experience to draw upon. I have been a former Army wife, high school teacher, corporate employee, and small business owner. But perhaps most importantly, I've had my own tough journey and come out the other side. I am not a child of privilege financially or emotionally, and I've worked to change the narrative I could have easily accepted.
Instead, I have built the fulfilling life I want for my family and me. I have felt the pain of devastating loss and the joy of self-discovery on a deep, personal level that would never allow me to have a flippant approach to your challenges. If you're looking for a therapist who can truly empathize with your struggles and help you achieve lasting change, I'm here to support you.
My clinical training was completed at the University of Texas Southwestern Department of Psychiatry's Family Studies Center where I served individuals, couples, and families of diverse backgrounds and ages. I also interned at the ALS Clinic at UT Southwestern as a family medical therapist.
I enjoy spending time with my college-aged son and dogs as well as reading, cooking, and traveling.
EDUCATION, LICENSING & SPECIAL TRAINING
- Ph.D. - Marriage and Family Therapy, Texas Woman's University
- MS - Marriage and Family Therapy, Texas Woman's University
- MS - Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, Kansas State University
- BS - Secondary English Education, Kansas State University
- BS - English/Comparative Literature, Vanderbilt University
- Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Externship
- Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Advanced Training 1-4
- Nurturing Parenting Facilitator Training
- PREPARE/ENRICH Premarital & Couples Certified Facilitator
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Training, Levels 1 & 2
- Digital Ethics, Security & Privacy in Psychotherapy Practice Management
- Hardship Waiver Evaluation Training
- How Trauma Impacts Couple Relationships Training
- Advanced Infidelity Counseling Training
- AASECT certified sex therapist in training
- Texas Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor #202050
Conveniently located in West Plano, off of the Dallas North Tollway and Spring Creek Parkway to serve Plano, Frisco, Allen, and the surrounding areas.
I specialize in working with couples in all stages as well as adults contending with anxiety and depression. You don't have to live this way. There is hope. Reach out and let's get started!