IN PERSON IN CEDAR KNOLLS, MONTCLAIR + VIRTUAL ALL OVER NEW JERSEY
HEALING through FEELING
Therapy for deep thinking, highly sensitive, and overwhelmed adults
“everything’s fine - I’m just stressed about everything
all the time”
Are you showing up, holding it together,
trying to make it work?
You’re functioning. You’re responsible. You’re managing. But underneath, there’s anxiety that lingers, relational patterns that feel stuck, or a tiredness that isn’t about sleep. Therapy is a space to pause, untangle what’s driving it, and begin shifting those patterns with support.
THE PROCESS
The clients I work with often have full lives, meaningful relationships, and a deep capacity to care. They’re thoughtful, responsible, and high-functioning. From the outside, things look steady.
Inside, though, there’s often anxiety, overthinking, people-pleasing, or a quiet emotional exhaustion that doesn’t quite go away.
As a relational, attachment-based therapist, I believe these patterns make sense. They didn’t appear out of nowhere. They developed for reasons — often as ways of staying connected, safe, or needed.
In our work together, we slow things down. Through anxiety therapy and relational therapy, we begin to notice what’s shaping your inner world — the patterns, beliefs, emotional reflexes, and relationship dynamics that have been running in the background.
With awareness comes space.
With space comes choice.
Over time, you may find yourself feeling more regulated, more grounded, and more solid in who you are — not just managing anxiety, but understanding it. Not just setting boundaries, but trusting yourself enough to hold them.
Therapy becomes less about “fixing” and more about strengthening your sense of self.
HIGHLY SENSITIVE PEOPLE (HSPS)
ANXIETY
PEOPLE PLEASING
CODEPENDENCY
BOUNDARIES
OVERTHINKING
PERFECTIONISM
HIGHLY SENSITIVE PEOPLE (HSPS) ANXIETY PEOPLE PLEASING CODEPENDENCY BOUNDARIES OVERTHINKING PERFECTIONISM
MY APPROACH
My approach is collaborative, relational, and grounded in research-backed methods that support meaningful, lasting change.
I draw from psychodynamic therapy, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), somatic and nervous system–informed practices, mindfulness-based strategies, and cognitive therapy. Much of our work centers on what’s happening in the here-and-now — both in your current life and in the space between us.
Together, we explore how old patterns and survival strategies continue to shape your present-day experiences. Rather than getting lost in analysis, we stay connected to what feels real and immediate — your emotions, your body, your reactions, your relationships.
The goal isn’t to dissect you.
It’s to understand you.
By working with both emotion and the nervous system, therapy becomes a space to build deeper self-awareness, greater emotional regulation, and relationships that feel steadier and more rewarding.
MELISSA COLLINS
MSW, LCSW, LCADCHi! I’m so glad you found me. Let me tell you a little about myself:
I felt called to this work because I believe our stories matter. The experiences we carry — especially the ones we’ve learned to minimize, intellectualize, or push aside — shape how we move through the world and relate to ourselves and others. I’ve always been drawn to understanding what lives beneath the surface: the unspoken dynamics, the protective patterns, the quiet resilience people don’t always see in themselves. Therapy, to me, is a space where those stories are honored rather than judged. It’s a place where we remember that what you feel makes sense in context — and that change is possible. I believe hope is not naïve; it’s essential. We matter. Our inner worlds matter. And when given the right conditions — safety, curiosity, connection — growth unfolds in ways that feel both steady and deeply human.
TRAINING + EDUCATION
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - NJ #44SC06016900
Licensed Clinical Drug + Alcohol Counselor - NJ #37LC00376400
Masters of Social Work - Ramapo College
Bachelors of Arts - Sociology - Ramapo College
IN PERSON
Therapy sessions are available in person at my Cedar Grove office. This option offers space for deeper presence and somatic work. For those who value in-person connection and feel grounded by shared space, this can be a meaningful part of the process.
Online therapy for adults across New Jersey For those seeking depth-oriented care with flexibility, when scheduling or distance makes in-person sessions hard. Secure video sessions allow a consistent, connected rhythm—wherever you are.
TELEHEALTH
CONSULT + SUPERVISION
For early career therapists navigating private practice. Whether it’s about practice management, building a client base, or creating a sustainable schedule, consulting offers space to troubleshoot challenges and pick up where grad school left off.
HOW IT WORKS-
1. Reach Out
Getting started is simple. Fill out the brief contact form to share what’s bringing you to therapy. I’ll respond within 1–2 business days.
2. We’ll Connect
Next, we’ll touch base — either with a short phone consultation or via email, whichever feels easiest for you. This is a chance to ask questions, clarify logistics, and see if working together feels like a good fit.
03. Begin the Work
If it feels right, we’ll schedule your first session. Together, we’ll explore patterns, emotions, and relationships, building insight, self-trust, and lasting change.
Frequently Asked Questions
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My session rate is $175 per 50-minute session. I am an out-of-network provider and do not participate directly with insurance plans.
That said, I believe therapy should be as accessible as possible, and I’m happy to help you explore your options. Many clients are still able to use their insurance benefits in meaningful ways. I can support you by:
Helping you check and understand your out-of-network (OON) benefits
Submitting documentation to request a Single Case Agreement (SCA) when appropriate
Determining whether you can use HSA or FSA funds to cover sessions
Providing superbills for potential reimbursement
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Healing can take many forms. I resonate with the depth-oriented approaches outlined below and incorporate these modalities to support your goals in our work together.
Psychodynamic Therapy – Explores unconscious patterns and past experiences that influence present thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
EFIT (Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy) – Uses attachment-based principles to help clients process emotions in a deeper, more adaptive way, strengthening their ability to form secure relationships.
Somatic Therapy – Focuses on body awareness and regulation, addressing how trauma is stored in the nervous system.
Mindfulness-Based Practices – Encourages present-moment awareness and self-compassion to reduce reactivity and foster emotional balance.
Cognitive Therapy – Helps clients recognize and shift limiting beliefs and thought patterns that reinforce self-defeating behaviors.
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I’m a licensed LCSW and LCADC with training in addiction and relational therapy. I combine attachment-focused, research-backed methods with a collaborative approach to help you understand patterns, work with emotions, and build healthier relationships.
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It's entirely your choice. Some clients appreciate ongoing support from a therapist, while others prefer to focus on a specific issue and then move on. I check in with clients at regular intervals to make sure they continue to receive a sense of meaningful support and progress in their work.
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Collaborative, relational, and grounded. Sessions are a safe space to explore patterns, emotions, and relationships while building self-awareness, emotional regulation, and lasting change.