Melina Bridges, LCMHC
Melina Bridges, LCMHCA
My clients find
expressive arts therapies
provide a safe container where
they can open their hearts and share their stories
of what aches inside.
Hello, I’m Melina!
I help empower young people to discover their potential so that they can step forward to live a full and happy life. Having been fully heard, my clients become motivated to identify their problems and experiment with solutions that help them to reset their internal compass.
In a warm, accepting, interactive environment my clients receive the quickest relief possible. With my well trained ear, I offer tools to learn how to cope with whatever obstacles come your way and tasks to focus on between sessions.
My resume is largely colored by my professional work career of more than 25 years serving as a counselor in the public school system. I facilitated individual and group counseling, taught classroom guidance lessons, offered students behavioral and educational support, provided consultation services to parents, assisted families with community services, and coordinated the Special Education, 504 and Talented and Gifted programs.
"I’ve had the great pleasure of knowing Melina Bridges for the past 25-years…as an esteemed colleague and as an invaluable referral source for children and families. Melina’s skills, honed to a fine edge from years of practice, blended with a deep wisdom and gentle heart, make her a rare child therapist. I refer patients to Melina regularly and am grateful for her presence in our community."
-David V.
"
"
In my spare time, I enjoy making art in all forms, exploring the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and making good memories with my husband and two daughters, aged 19 and 24. I love the company of good friends, and the adventure of discovering new places, near and far.
Now, during the time of Covid-19, I’m happy camping in our vintage trailer, tending to my many plants, and playing with and training my new Doddle-puppy, Soleil, who hopes when she grows up to become a therapy dog like Jolie.
Jolie is my 10 year old Whoodle, yes Whoodle! She is a hypoallergenic blend of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Poodle. Jolie spent her puppyhood going to the middle school where my husband worked as a shop teacher. She has spent countless hours around kids, noise and activity. She is as mellow as she is sweet!
Jolie is certified as a pet therapy dog through Pet Partners and has been a volunteer visiting kids at the Mission Hospital and also Leicester Elementary School where kids would actually read to her while working on improving their reading skills.
Jolie is available to attend counseling sessions upon request, but if you aren’t a fan of dogs, no worries.
Meet My Canine Assistant
Education:
2019-Present
Trauma Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute
In pursuit of a certificate in Trauma Informed Expressive Art Therapy
2016-2018
University California, Los Angeles-Extension
College Admission Process courses for high school students.
1991
C. G. Jung Institute-Zurich
Matriculated Auditor
1988-1990
M.A., Counseling Psychology
University California, Santa Barbara
1984-1987
Willamette University
B.A. Major: Psychology, Minor: English
Volunteer Experience:
2019
Mission Hospital-Asheville, NC
Served with my dog as a Pet Therapy Team on the Pulmonary and Copestone Psychiatric Units
Fur Kidz Sake-Asheville, NC
Served with my dog in a children’s literacy and reading program at Leicester Elementary School.
2009-2011
Unity of Salem-Salem, Oregon
Served as the teen youth group leader.
Professional Information
Related Trainings:
2023
Asheville Clinical Counseling
Echo therapy and EMDR
Carolina Center for EFT
Emotional Focused Therapy
PESI, Inc
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training for Children and Adolescents: Rescuing the Dysregulated Child
2021 -2023
AEDP Institute
Essential Skills 1 & 2 Immersion
2019 - 2021
Trauma Research Foundation
Intensive training on various aspects of trauma and treatment modalities
2018
Pet Partners Certified as a Pet Therapy Handler
2019
Divine Feminine Institute
Intensive training on women’s sexuality
Work Experience:
1991-2016
Licensed Professional School Counselor
Salem-Keizer Public Schools, Oregon
Melina Bridges
828-747-8900
30 Cumberland Avenue, suite #104
Asheville, NC 28801
melinabridges57@gmail.com
Thank you!
Your message has been sent.
I'll contact you shortly.
