Melinda Pierson

Melinda Pierson is a clinical social worker who obtained her MSW from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2010. For the past decade, Melinda has worked with children as a school social worker in elementary schools in Murphysboro and Carterville, helping children and families address social-emotional health issues in order to succeed in the classroom. While she regularly works with children experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and symptoms of ADHD, her passion lies in working with families impacted by trauma. Melinda has had extensive training on the impact of trauma and the therapeutic approaches to help clients heal. She incorporates a variety of counseling approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused CBT, dialectical behavioral therapy, and techniques such as mindfulness and meditation.

Major life events such as divorce, job loss, and grief can be overwhelming to deal with. But everyday life is also challenging. As a counselor, Melinda believes it is her role to walk with the client through whatever they are experiencing, helping identify personal strengths and strategies that can help them not only cope but thrive.