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Life is full of moments where part of you wants to go one way, and another part isn't so sure. That push and pull can feel exhausting. But what if that tension was actually a doorway to something better?
I'm Melissa Silva, a Licensed Professional Counselor at The Counseling Center at PCHAS in Waxahachie, Texas. My life’s work has been about helping people grow, and I never get tired of it.
I work with kids, adults, couples, and families. Whether you're a child who needs a safe place to play and process, or a couple who feels stuck in the same argument over and over, I'm here to help you find a new way forward. I can help you with things like:
• Improving how you communicate with your partner
• Strengthening your relationships
• Helping kids work through big feelings using play therapy
• Understanding the different parts of yourself that feel like they're pulling in different directions
• Processing past trauma through
My counseling style is relaxed and conversational. I believe all emotions are welcome in the room — and yes, that includes laughter! Sometimes a session is quiet or tearful, but breakthroughs can also happen when you're smiling. I love bringing humor into sessions when it fits, because working through your thoughts and feelings can also feel good. All emotions are welcome here, and that includes joy.
You’ll likely notice that I am always curious about what's going on beneath the surface, and I want sessions with me to feel a lot like a good conversation — one where you get to show up exactly as you are. No pressure, no judgment. Life isn't always black and white, and that's okay. My goal is to help you feel sturdy in the gray.
As a former teacher, I've always believed that when people understand themselves better, amazing things can happen. That same curiosity drives everything I do in the counseling room.
I'm trained in EMDR, a research-backed therapy that helps people heal from painful or traumatic memories. EMDR can help your brain process experiences that feel stuck, so they lose their grip on your everyday life. If you've been carrying something heavy for a long time, this could be a powerful part of your healing journey.
That's completely okay. A lot of people feel that way. When you're ready to take that first step, I want you to know: therapy is a place where you get to be yourself. You don't have to have it all figured out to walk through the door — the time is yours. We'll work together to find the solutions you need, and I'll be with you every step of the way.
I believe that when we lean into our strengths, it can be incredibly powerful. I love that PCHAS is a place that celebrates what each person brings to the table — clients and counselors alike.
• Bachelor of Science: The University of Texas at Austin
• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Sam Houston State University
• EMDR Trained
• Gottman Method, Level 1 Training
Understanding and accepting that all emotions are okay is the root of mental health.
You don't have to figure it all out alone. Let's get curious together.
I can meet with you in-person in Waxahachie, Texas, and I can work with Texas residents living anywhere in the state, virtually.
Read more about Melissa's license as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas.
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