Hi, I’m Melanie!
I am a therapist, Enneagram 6, entrepreneur, death doula, plant lady, nature enthusiast, advocate & animal lover. I’m dedicated to supporting others in this human experience while creating opportunities for learning, healing and connection wherever I can.
My work is rooted in my personal healing journey, spirituality, and belief that we all carry the wisdom needed to heal within us. My role is to help others reconnect with that wisdom.
I founded Trauma Therapy of Nashville, a Holistic Group Therapy Practice serving individuals struggling with trauma, relationships, and chronic conditions. Located on Music Row in Nashville, TN, we focus on treating the whole person through a neuro-experiential framework.
My goal is to help create awareness about what it means to be trauma-informed—both personally and professionally—while supporting practitioners in enhancing their clinical skills and building successful private or group practices with confidence and clarity.
Working with Melanie
AREAS OF FOCUS
- Trauma and (C)PTSD
- Attachment Trauma
- Childhood + Developmental Trauma
- Spiritual and Existential Exploration
- Chronic Pain & Illness
- Grief
- Psychedelic Preparation & Integration
- Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
- End of Life/Fear of Death
MY APPROACH + MODALITIES I WORK WITH
I offer Trauma Therapy Intensives for individuals and groups. These extended sessions focus on nervous system regulation and deep trauma processing through specialized therapy modalities for working with trauma. Many of my clients have tried traditional talk therapy without the results they need. They often work with a primary therapist and are ready to go deeper in their healing journey.
My belief that healing occurs by treating the whole person, has helped me develop a unique approach to mental health wellness with these things in mind. With a neuro-experiential framework, I utilize the following modalities:
- Animal Assisted Psychotherapy (AAP)
- Brainspotting (BSP)
- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Parts Work
- Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
- Meditation & Mindfulness
- Psychedelic Preparation and Integration
- Somatic Therapy
- Trauma Informed Body Movement
MY THERAPEUTIC STYLE
My style of therapy may be a little different from your typical therapist. As my client, I view you as the expert on your life. I do not view myself as the “know it all” in the room. I have some valuable information that my trainings have afforded me, but your life experiences are just as valuable to the work we will do together. We are a team in this process.
I am straight forward, honest and do not sugar coat things, which my clients have come to value in our sessions. I often have clients tell me “I knew it was something I needed to bring up in session because I didn’t want to hear your honest answer about it!” I like to throw in humor when I can, as I think laughter is good for the soul. We have hot tea, take our shoes off and pull our feet up, if it’s that kind of day… And my therapy dog (Miss Darcy) will most likely be curled up at your feet or snuggled on the couch next to you!
I want you to have conversations you aren’t having or have been afraid to have out in the world, in the most safe environment possible.
CONSULTATION, SUPERVISION + BUSINESS COACHING WITH ME
Working with me as a mentor, business coach, or clinical supervisor is a collaborative, empowering experience rooted in honesty, support, and soul. I bring over 15 years of experience as a trauma therapist and successful group practice owner into every session—offering both practical tools and deep insight. Whether you’re just starting your private practice, expanding into a group model, or looking to strengthen your clinical skills, I meet you where you are with a grounded presence, straightforward guidance, and an abundance mindset.
I’m here to help you clarify your vision, navigate challenges with confidence, and build something sustainable and aligned. We laugh, get real, dream big, and do the work—together!
EDUCATION + TRAININGS
- Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University
- Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional – CCTP
- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) – Level 2 Trained
- Certified Brainspotting (BSP) Practitioner
- Brainspotting Consultant in Training (CIT)
- Brainspotting Levels 1-5
- Body Spotting – Brainspotting Trauma and Chronic Conditions in the Body
- Generational Brainspotting with Somatic Archeology and Epigenetics
- Brainspotting Master Class with creator, David Grand: Neuro-Experiential Model for Complex Trauma, Attachment and Dissociation
- Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) – MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy
- Psychedelic Coalition for Health: Psychedelic Assisted Therapy & Integration Training + Psychedelic Medicine Education & Advocacy
- Polaris Insight Center – Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (ongoing training)
- I-EMDR Migraine Headache/Chronic Pain Protocol
- Level 1 Trauma Sensitive Yoga
- AAMFT Approved Supervisor
- End of Life Psychedelic Care
A LITTLE ABOUT ME
I have lived in Nashville since 2002 and consider this home. My favorite forms of self care are watching movies that hit every emotion, painting, art/theatre/comedy shows, interior decorating, being outdoors with my dogs and spending time with my friends. I also LOVE plants and currently have 60+ under my care!
I also co-host the podcast “I’m Fine, It’s Fine” with comedian Amber Autry. We talk with each other, guest comedians, practitioners and entertainers about personal experiences of trauma and mental health.
STATEMENT OF INCLUSIVITY
The space I create is welcoming and accepting of those of diverse ethnicities, genders and abilities. I welcome all ranges of social, financial, religious and political standings. We respect and value each other’s differences and strive to practice tolerance and inclusivity.
The intention of this space is to serve healing practitioners and the Nashville community through teaching, supporting and promoting growth and healing. We engage in this space with full respect for all of you, each other and ourselves.