Show notes
Mental health often gets pushed to the backburner, because it’s not always easy to check in with ourselves. Over the last few years, the impact of the pandemic has affected everyone, and we’ve definitely experienced a mental health crisis. In today’s episode, Melissa Ward shares her story of becoming a therapist and starting her own business, as well as other community leadership roles she’s been involved in. Her therapy sessions often focus on communication, reducing anxiety, easing transitions, improving relationships, and coping skills. Melissa chooses to work with clients she really feels like she can help and provide the best support for. She has seen firsthand how the pandemic impacted people during isolation, as well as with reentry into society. Melissa truly cares about people, and she continues to teach about the importance of self-care (which doesn’t necessarily mean having regular spa days). She believes that checking in with your mental health regularly and asking for help before it’s too late is vital. About Melissa Ward: Melissa Ward is a Maryland-licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) who works with adolescents, adults, and couples. She focuses on creating a unique therapeutic environment for each client that not only addresses challenges, but explores possibilities. Since each client is unique, she offers both a traditional in-person counseling experience as well as telehealth therapy. Melissa has a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida International University in Communications and a Master of Science degree in Counselor Education from McDaniel College. She has also worked as a social worker and a community relations manager for National MS Society's Maryland Chapter. Melissa has served on the board of the Frederick County Mental Health Association, and as a deacon at Frederick Presbyterian Church. She lives in Downtown Frederick with her husband, has two college-aged daughters, two dogs, and a cat. Connect with Melissa: www.melissawardcounselingservices.com Episode Timestamps: Melissa’s story of starting her own business as a therapist and how it’s evolved over time {1:25} The type of clients that have been the best fit for Melissa to work with over the years {3:26} Melissa’s community involvement and what leadership has looked like in the organizations she’s been involved in {4:56} What Melissa has seen in her practice and other community leadership roles since the pandemic {6:38} How people are recovering from the pandemic and what their mental health looks like {10:38} Melissa’s advice for everyone when it comes to mental health {12:25} What inspires Melissa to keep going and doing the work she does {15:03} How Melissa checks in with herself/her mental health regularly {17:12} How discipline and leadership go together {21:05} What Melissa values and keeps her focused in the work she’s doing {23:41} “We all need to be self-aware enough to know before it’s a crisis, and before we need help. If I could ask anybody to do anything, it’s knowing yourself well enough to know you’re struggling, and not waiting until everything is on fire before you reach out for help.” Connect with Rachel: https://traumaspecialistsofmd.com/ https://www.frederickchamber.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trauma_specialist/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064008974101&mibextid=LQQJ4d LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796/