About Melina Bridges, LCMHC
Melina Bridges, LCMHCA
“Blending depth and compassion, I draw on approaches that honor both the mind and the heart.”
Therapy with me is not about quick fixes or surface-level advice. It’s about creating a space where you can slow down, feel truly seen, and begin to connect with yourself and those you love in a new way.
From our first session, I focused on building safety and trust. We move at your pace, exploring what’s been hard without rushing you past it. I listen deeply — not just to your words, but to the feelings, pauses, and unspoken parts of your story.
When talking alone isn’t enough, I may bring in creative and experiential methods: imagery, art, movement, or body awareness which help you access emotions and insights that can’t always be reached through conversation. These approaches are never forced; instead, they become invitations you can choose to explore at your own pace.
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and spent many years in Oregon before settling in Asheville in 2016. I was married in 1995 and have two grown daughters, and am the proud (and playful) grandmother of two little ones.
My hope is that our time together feels like a place where you can breathe a little easier, where your feelings make sense, and where you begin to experience more of the connection, clarity, and ease you’ve been longing for.
"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.
ASHEVILLE THERAPIST
My style is warm, grounded, and intuitive, with a symbolically rich approach.
I hold space with curiosity, compassion, and respect for the complexity of being human. Alongside helping shift thoughts and behaviors, I draw from experiential and attachment-based models that center healing in emotion and connection.
Approaches I use include:
Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) – transforms pain into resilience and growth.
Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) – uncovers hidden emotions behind anxiety or conflict.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) – strengthens bonds between couples and fosters secure connection.
Expressive Arts Therapy – uses creativity for healing and self-discovery.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – helps reprocess overwhelming memories.
Parts Work – builds self-acceptance and wholeness.
Tapping (EFT) – calms the nervous system through gentle tapping.
Together, these methods create a safe and supportive space to explore at your own pace.
My therapeutic approach
Schedule a free 15‑minute consult
Schedule a free 15‑minute consult to see if we’re a good fit
Let's talk
Therapy can help your family find its way back to something meaningful
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:
2025
Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) training
Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) Imagination and Portrayals
2023
Asheville Clinical Counseling
Echo therapy and EMDR
Carolina Center for EFT
Emotionally 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
Schedule a free 15‑minute consult
Schedule a free 15‑minute consult to see if we’re a good fit
Let's talk
Therapy can help your family find its way back to something meaningful
Melina Bridges
828-747-8900
30 Cumberland Avenue, suite #104
Asheville, NC 28801
ashevillechildtherapist@gmail.com
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