Therapist profile
Melissa Patak, LPC
Texas
Licensed Professional Counselor - Stress and Anger
Continue with MelissaKey details
- CredentialsLPC
- LicenseLPC, Texas / 83619
- NPI1194487025
- Experience4 years
- LanguagesEnglish
- LocationTexas
About
- CBT techniques
- Client-centered care
- Motivational interviewing
About Melissa
Melissa Patak is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Texas with four years of experience. She helps people managing stress, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, relationship and family concerns, LGBT issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, career questions, and bipolar concerns.
She moved into counseling after a long career in the legal field. That background shaped her practical, problem-focused style. Sessions are conversational and collaborative. She concentrates on building strengths and teaching new skills that people can use between meetings.
Her approach draws from several methods including client-centered work, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, narrative ideas, and psychodynamic thinking. In session she listens for patterns, helps people reframe thoughts, and supports small behavior changes. She also uses reflective questions to clarify values and goals.
People who want clear options and doable strategies tend to find this approach useful. Melissa aims to help clients notice what is keeping problems going and then practice alternatives. Work often focuses on skills for managing anger, reducing anxious responses, and improving communication.
To get started she asks people to complete a brief matching questionnaire and then schedule a first appointment. Costs vary with location and sessions are offered through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How sessions work
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflecting. The therapist follows the person’s lead, helps clarify goals, and supports choices; this approach helps with emotional awareness and decision-making.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions. Melissa uses CBT to help identify unhelpful thought patterns and practice concrete behavior changes that reduce anger and anxiety.
Motivational Interviewing concentrates on exploring ambivalence and building internal motivation for change. It can help when someone wants to change habitual reactions but feels stuck.
Choosing the right mix of approaches is part of the work together. Melissa will discuss what seems most useful based on the client’s goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. That decision is collaborative and can shift as progress is made.
Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not listed in the biography. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, shorten travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Talk to the team about scheduling and any practical needs you have so sessions can fit into everyday life.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
Texas
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger issues does she address?
She supports people dealing with snapping at loved ones, workplace frustration, building resentment, and other anger-related concerns.
What style of therapy does she use?
Sessions are collaborative and practical, drawing on client-centered methods, cognitive behavioral techniques, and motivational interviewing to teach skills and change patterns.
How much counseling experience does she have?
She has four years of experience working as a Licensed Professional Counselor after transitioning from a legal career.
Where is she licensed and based?
She is an LPC licensed in Texas and practices there.
What languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are costs handled?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What do I do to begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.