Beyond Counseling, Inc.

Melissa is an asset to our community- there aren’t many couples counselors in the North Florida area. Melissa has extensive training and is a wonderful resource for my practice. I know she has helped so many of my clients in their relationships.

I rarely leave negative reviews, but I feel compelled to share our experience in the hopes that it may help others make a more informed decision. My partner and I sought out counseling during a challenging season in our marriage, genuinely hoping to gain clarity, tools, and mutual understanding. Unfortunately, our time with Melissa left us more discouraged and fragmented than when we began. From the beginning, there appeared to be a subtle but consistent imbalance in how our issues were addressed. Rather than facilitating a neutral, safe environment for both parties to express themselves, Melissa seemed to unintentionally (or perhaps unknowingly) align herself with my spouse’s perspective. As a result, I often felt talked over, minimized, and, frankly, judged. Constructive criticism is one thing—I welcome it—but it became increasingly clear that her approach lacked the objectivity that is so essential in this kind of work. Instead of exploring the dynamics between us, she leaned heavily into validating one partner’s emotions while glossing over or outright dismissing the other’s. What was most troubling, however, was her tendency to interpret complex relational issues through a narrow lens of assumptions. Nuanced concerns—especially those involving communication differences, past trauma, and individual responsibility—were frequently oversimplified. Her feedback often lacked depth and failed to reflect a deep understanding of relational patterns. At times, her responses even bordered on patronizing, which made it difficult to feel emotionally safe or respected in the room. Additionally, the sessions often felt unstructured. While some flexibility in counseling is understandable, there was very little guidance or practical direction. We left most sessions without clear takeaways or goals, which made the entire process feel stagnant. For a couple actively seeking growth and resolution, that was both frustrating and disheartening. To be fair, she may be a better fit for individuals or couples who are looking for a more affirming, feelings-forward space. But for couples who need a balanced, insightful, and accountability-driven approach to healing, I would recommend continuing your search.

Melissa is an absolute genius. She knows exactly what she's doing. She is so unbelievably amazing at helping her clients navigate their challenges by guiding them using just the right approach, while at the same time never coming off as condescending or judgemental. I have been going to therapists on and off for thirty years, and never in my life have I met someone who is this good at it. Thank you, Melissa!

I have been seeing Melissa off and on for a few years now. She is always able to create a non-judgmental, safe place for me to talk through whatever I might be facing. She is very knowledgeable and takes the right approach for me to self reflect and grow. I highly recommended her!