Melissa Finley

Melissa Finley is a licensed clinical professional counselor practicing in Villa Park, who offers therapy and parent training services. ​​​She is an interactive therapist, versed in treatments that have recorded evidence of being effective -evidence based approaches. Without disregarding the personal history that each client brings to therapy, her specialty is working with adaptive information processing strategies that use scientific principles to engage the resilient resources we have (as human beings) in support of emotional healing.

She uses eye movement desensitization reprocessing, acceptance and commitment practices, present, and future circumstances through somatic and mental images to modify un-useful patterns of being. Important work in therapy focuses on working mindfully, paying attention to what comes up in the relational patterns in the moment.

Through training and working with clients, she has learned that stress, anxiety, and trauma are easier to decrease and dispel when working on the resulting sensations and experiences in the body using bodily sensations and experiences, rather than 'talking them away.' She helps clients change the way they experience themselves, the way they feel about things, which is rather faster than through talking therapy.

Melissa integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client, addressing every day challenges, as well as more complex issues, such as anxiety, trauma, and stress. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them overcome obstacles while building on their strengths so that they can attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.

Melissa is available for short or longer term therapy. She maintains a private practice in Villa Park, 18W140 Butterfield Rd, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181.