Melissa Nelson, MA
Melissa Nelson, MA
From a young age, I have enjoyed hearing people’s stories and supporting those around me. As a Hampshire College student in 2003, I wrote my thesis on the musical and social act of listening. This orientation led naturally to a career in caregiving–as both an outreach counselor and a psychiatric nurse. During the early pandemic, I reflected on the profound impact of trauma (both personally and on a broader scale), and I decided to return to school to become a therapist.
As a trauma-focused therapist, I primarily work with Progressive Counting, Flash, and EMDR to reprocess traumatic memories. I integrate somatic work to balance the nervous system, narrative therapy to harness the power of language and expression, and relational theory to center the importance of connection. I believe strongly in the human capacity for posttraumatic growth, change, and recovery; and I believe that inhabiting a sense of agency is an essential facet of healing. I am gentle in my approach and work to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs.
In my free time, I love walking, swimming, sourdough baking, reading, traveling by train, doing puzzles, drawing portraits, playing cello, and being with my family.
Books by Dr. Greenwald
- EMDR in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, 1999, Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson.
- Child Trauma Handbook, 2005, New York: Haworth.
- EMDR Within a Phase Model of Trauma-Informed Treatment, (2007). New York: Haworth.
- Treating Problem Behaviors, (2009). New York: Routledge.
- Progressive Counting, (2013). New York: Routledge.
- A Fairy Tale (comic book, with artist Sal Emi Link). (2007). Greenfield, MA: Child Trauma Institute.
- The Child Abuser’s Secret Book of Tricks (comic book, with artist J. Rettun). (2012). Northampton, MA: Trauma Institute & Child Trauma Institute.
Now off press:Â Slaying the Dragon: Overcoming Life’s Challenges and Achieving Your Goals
Teaching & Training
Dr. Greenwald offers the Trauma Institute & Child Trauma Institute training programs, including in-depth trauma training for mental health professionals and others (judges, teachers, caseworkers, line staff, parents, etc.) who work with trauma-exposed children, teens, and adults.
TICTI
The Trauma Institute & Child Trauma Institute (TICTI) is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization that provides training, consultation, information, and resources for those who work with trauma-exposed children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Greenwald founded CTI in 2002 in order to more widely disseminate high-quality training programs on trauma treatment and EMDR. The Trauma Institute (TI) name was added in 2008 to convey the full range of our activities, which apply to adults as well as kids. TICTI has a growing faculty of highly qualified supervisors and trainers. Our website provides information and resources to the professional community and the general public, and averages over 60,000 hits per month.
EMDR
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is the most efficient of the well established research-supported treatments for trauma and loss. Dr. Greenwald is a pioneer and leading authority on EMDR, and the recipient of two major awards by the EMDR International Association. He is the author of several books on EMDR, including EMDR in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy (1999) (translated into German and Italian; Using EMDR With Children, (translated into Spanish); and the text book, EMDR Within a Phase Model of Trauma-Informed Treatment. Dr. Greenwald provides training and consultation for therapists, researchers, and agencies internationally.
Progressive Counting
Progressive Counting (PC) is a newer trauma treatment developed by Dr. Greenwald, based on the counting method, that so far appears to be well tolerated by clients, as effective as EMDR, more efficient, and relatively easy for therapists to learn. PC’s research support is growing.
Intensive Trauma-Focused Therapy
Dr. Greenwald is among the pioneers in developing intensive trauma-focused therapy, and TICTI is a leading provider. Intensive trauma-focused therapy has been found to be as effective as the same treatment approach delivered in conventional weekly sessions, while the intensive model yields very quick results, reduces dropout, and reduces total treatment hours.
Psychology Practice and Consulting
- Brief/intensive treatment or consultation in a private intensive therapy retreat. For individuals, couples, or children/teens with their parent(s).
- Expert Services including trauma-informed evaluation of adults, children, teens, and families; also evaluation of other mental health professionals’ work.
- Consultation for therapists, agencies, programs, or institutions.
Dr. Greenwald’s therapy practice is affiliated with TICTI.
Take the Next Step
Contact us for a free phone consultation, to schedule a therapy retreat, or to learn more about this unique healing opportunity.