Melissa Thorne-Smith, M.A.

My name is Melissa Thorne-Smith. I am originally from Illinois and have been blessed to call Nashville home for the last 8 years. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Judson College in Elgin, Illinois and a Master's Degree in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University. I am currently pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Counseling. I am a licensed professional counselor with MHSP designation with I have 10 years of experience working in mental health.

I believe each of our lives tells a story. Chapters of that story may have been affected by someone or by events outside your control. Counseling provides an opportunity for you to become more active in writing your story. You can be the author of how you deal with your life and your story.

We all hit rough spots along the road in life. One of my favorite quotes is, "The second most important decision you will make in life is what to do right after you fail." Deciding to begin counseling is an important decision. Sometimes people just need someone there to listen, serve as a guide, provide encouragement, and create safe challenges during sessions while being supportive and nurturing as people make changes in how they react to life’s demands or to demands within relationships. For me, that is what counseling is.

I work with adults and older teens in individual or couples sessions. I work with people who are post operative from gastric bypass surgery. I also work with people who are dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, decision-making, adjustment, self- esteem issues and pre-marital counseling. I specialize in working with parents or other family members for families in which there is an adult or older adolescent with mental retardation or developmental disabilities. As someone who has worked in the MR/DD field for many years I know how difficult it can be to get the appropriate services for the ones you love and for whom you are responsible.

I believe it is important to meet all clients where they are. Each client brings a unique personality and unique needs to sessions. Because of this, my style of therapy is eclectic and flexible. How long the process of therapy lasts also varies from client to client, with some clients coming for a few sessions while others, in more complicated situations, participate in therapy for longer periods of time. Most therapy sessions last about 50 minutes. I do not take insurance but I will provide you with forms that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Because I do not take insurance, payment for each session is expected at the time of service.

Please feel free to call me at Counseling Associates at 615-298-2329 or email me personally at melissasmithlpc@hotmail.com so we can begin your journey.