Melissa Deters

My interest in therapy started with a fascination with the brain. I wanted to understand what causes one person to have a certain mental health disorder and another not to. (It's a question I'm still exploring.) It makes me so happy to help a person become a better version of themselves. We don't get taught how to handle emotions, feelings, obsessions, and compulsions in school. Providing that for people gives me purpose. I love seeing the light-bulb moments when the member shows so much growth.

If I had to choose one treatment goal for most people with a mental health disorder, it would be to increase their confidence and positive self-talk. Oftentimes, the obsessions of OCD come from a fear of being immoral, harmful to yourself or others, or antithetical to your values. As you work through OCD and realize you're not immoral or harmful, this goal will be met. If the work is done, so much progress can be made. It's a beautiful thing to see.

My previous job was in community behavioral health, meaning I have experience in almost all diagnoses and disorders. If I were to choose an area of focus from this job, it probably would be PTSD and substance use. I've also treated trauma; I enjoyed being able to help people understand that trauma is something that happens to you, not because of you.

I think of a quote I heard once: 'No one promised life would be easy. They just promised it would be worth it.' OCD therapy may be something that seems scary, but in the end, it is so worth it. I'll never ask you do anything I wouldn’t do. I'll never have you do anything without your permission. Everything we do is collaborative. You will not be forced. While it might be helpful to learn to get comfortable with the uncomfortable, you don't need to start therapy with that mindset. I will help you get there and be able to live a compulsion-free life.

My number one goal as a therapist is to offer a secure environment where you feel safe to share openly, be understood, and not be judged. I have done therapy myself, and I understand what it's like to be on the other side of the screen. I know from experience that you can get more help and get better quicker if you're open and honest with your therapist and yourself. Don’t let OCD win. Talk to me, and we can figure those things out together.