Rate Melissa Hurt

Hello, My name is Melissa Hurt and I hold a Clinical Social Worker license (LICSW). My background is just as unique as yours is and I cannot wait to come alongside you in your journey into finding more peace, joy, stability, whatever it may be that you are searching for!

My Master's degree focused on Macro Social Work (MSW) with an emphasis on Community Organizing, Planning and Development. I am forever grateful for this opportunity while I was living in NYC to study under some great leaders who were activists and fought for change. I studied oppression in all its ugly forms and looked deep into my own biases. The reason this is significant is that it has made me a better person, and an even better social worker. I am attune to these things when I speak with people, because they matter. These structures shape how we experience our life, whether in your family, job, community, religious organization, City, State, and Country.

I have spent the last four years working in Long Term Care supervising a team of Case Managers. Our mission is to support individuals with disabilities to stay independent, safe, and happy in their community. I have seen some hard stories, some triumphant ones, sad ones, but always hope in each story for what will be the next step in their journey. I am especially fortunate to be a mentor and guide to the individuals that I supervise. It's one my favorite aspects of the work I do presently; I am listening to what drives them, understanding what challenges them, and helping empower them to find meaning in their work, and find that amazing work-life. As we talk through things, we often find new ways to put the smile back on our faces.

I also have experience working in academic settings with young college professionals who were primarily from a Veteran population. Anyone who served in the military, or knows someone who served in the military will always be near and dear to my heart. I was an active duty Marine Corps wife for many years. Our family has traveled the world and met some amazing people. I have been humbled and inspired by the some of the most amazing cultures that make this world such a beautiful place. I have raised three kids through this journey, and have begun the exciting next phase of adolescence. I am not a perfect parent, nor do I think one exists. What I believe about parenting is that we are all searching for connection. We want to feel known by those we love the most.

My approach to mental health stems from methodologies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, while a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach is always a great thread to any self-reflection. I think mindfulness and self-care are wonderful practices that are easy to infuse, but the real winner is finding out what works best for you. What is your inner voice saying it needs from you, or from someone or something in life?

It’s true what they say, life is busy these days. We are all trying to create a life that we are happy to wake up to, and do all over again. I would by my pleasure to journey alongside you.