ABOUT ME
I work with adolescents, young adults, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, self-doubt, attachment challenges, and behavioral concerns. Many of my clients are adoptees, have lived in foster care, or are navigating identity and family transitions. As a trans-racial adoptee, foster parent, and school social worker with 20 years of experience, I bring both clinical expertise and lived perspective. I also incorporate animal-assisted therapy with my trained therapy dog for clients who may benefit from her presence. I approach therapy with warmth, empowerment, and collaboration at the core. Using a blend of Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Narrative Therapy, I support clients in building insight, identifying strengths, and navigating the challenges they face. I tailor each session to meet the individual needs and goals of my clients. You're Invited to Reach Out If you’ve ever felt like you had to explain too much or hold back parts of yourself just to be understood, know that this practice is different. You deserve a space where you can come as you are — where your story, your background, and your identity are honored. Getting started can be hard, but I am here if you want to start.
Melissa (Missy) Tauer Lee
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, MSW, LICSW (she, her)
I work with adolescents, young adults, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, self-doubt, attachment challenges, and behavioral concerns. Many of my clients are adoptees, have lived in foster care, or are navigating identity and family transitions. As a trans-racial adoptee, foster parent, and school social worker with 20 years of experience, I bring both clinical expertise and lived perspective. I also incorporate animal-assisted therapy with my trained therapy dog for clients who may benefit from her presence.
I approach therapy with warmth, empowerment, and collaboration at the core. Using a blend of Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Narrative Therapy, I support clients in building insight, identifying strengths, and navigating the challenges they face. I tailor each session to meet the individual needs and goals of my clients.
You're Invited to Reach Out If you’ve ever felt like you had to explain too much or hold back parts of yourself just to be understood, know that this practice is different. You deserve a space where you can come as you are — where your story, your background, and your identity are honored. Getting started can be hard, but I am here if you want to start.
My Treatment Methods
Strength-Based
I enjoy using Strength focused because it centers on a client’s strengths and resources, rather than their problems. I believe that every person—no matter what challenges they are facing—already has unique skills and abilities that can help them move forward. By highlighting and building on these strengths, clients often discover their own resilience and find practical steps toward meaningful change.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I enjoy using Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) with both individuals and families who are looking for support around a specific challenge or goal. This approach helps clients recognize and build on their own strengths, creating hope and confidence as they take practical steps toward positive change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I like to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with teens and families to help them better understand how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. Together, we look at the patterns that might be getting in the way and practice new ways of thinking and responding that feel more positive and helpful. This approach helps young people and families build confidence, improve communication, and find practical tools they can use in everyday life.
Attachment-Based
I use Attachment-Based Therapy to support individuals and families who are navigating the unique experiences of adoption and adoption-related trauma. This approach focuses on strengthening trust, connection, and safety within relationships. Together, we work to understand how early experiences may shape emotions and behaviors while building new patterns of security and closeness. My goal is to help families deepen their bonds and create a sense of belonging where healing can truly take place.
Certifications
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
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NCIS Certification
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Licensed School Social Worker
My Treatment Methods
Strength-Based
I enjoy using Strength focused because it centers on a client’s strengths and resources, rather than their problems. I believe that every person—no matter what challenges they are facing—already has unique skills and abilities that can help them move forward. By highlighting and building on these strengths, clients often discover their own resilience and find practical steps toward meaningful change.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I enjoy using Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) with both individuals and families who are looking for support around a specific challenge or goal. This approach helps clients recognize and build on their own strengths, creating hope and confidence as they take practical steps toward positive change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I like to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with teens and families to help them better understand how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. Together, we look at the patterns that might be getting in the way and practice new ways of thinking and responding that feel more positive and helpful. This approach helps young people and families build confidence, improve communication, and find practical tools they can use in everyday life.
Attachment-Based
I use Attachment-Based Therapy to support individuals and families who are navigating the unique experiences of adoption and adoption-related trauma. This approach focuses on strengthening trust, connection, and safety within relationships. Together, we work to understand how early experiences may shape emotions and behaviors while building new patterns of security and closeness. My goal is to help families deepen their bonds and create a sense of belonging where healing can truly take place.
Certifications
-
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
-
NCIS Certification
-
Licensed School Social Worker
