https://www.melissafaye.org/blog daily 0.75 2026-01-31 https://www.melissafaye.org/blog/working-with-freeze-a-nuanced-body-based-guide monthly 0.5 2026-01-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/1769805340909-C3IVBO9Z8OJDFLN25L3B/unsplash-image-vXymirxr5ac.jpg Blog - Working With Freeze: A Nuanced, Body-based Guide - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melissafaye.org/blog/fullbodyyin monthly 0.5 2022-09-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/19649e07-240c-49e9-8522-febe4830b5fe/CAP_MelissaFayeTherapyMarch2020-67.jpg Blog - Full Body Yin Yoga Sequence - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/7548e371-6a8b-4692-9eeb-4d9113233ee0/CAP_MelissaFayeTherapyMarch2020-65.jpg Blog - Full Body Yin Yoga Sequence - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/c8032124-f01b-425e-a80c-617554451be3/CAP_MelissaFayeTherapyMarch2020-69.jpg Blog - Full Body Yin Yoga Sequence - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/58c9dd3e-8b0a-4c0a-8a08-6473604fb9e0/CAP_MelissaFayeTherapyMarch2020-71.jpg Blog - Full Body Yin Yoga Sequence - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/38d8eef7-db11-485a-b35c-d239cb36377c/CAP_MelissaFayeTherapyMarch2020-72.jpg Blog - Full Body Yin Yoga Sequence - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/7a2b6bd9-9b75-4208-a646-415abffa63a5/CAP_MelissaFayeTherapyMarch2020-73.jpg Blog - Full Body Yin Yoga Sequence - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/64fdf495-e6b3-4d7e-b3bc-d4f2dccdecb7/CAP_MelissaFayeTherapyMarch2020-75.jpg Blog - Full Body Yin Yoga Sequence - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/8efd0d7a-4f27-4505-a1ba-73c1f0d3e5f4/CAP_MelissaFayeTherapyMarch2020-77.jpg Blog - Full Body Yin Yoga Sequence - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melissafaye.org/blog/category/BOUNDARIES monthly 0.5 https://www.melissafaye.org/blog/category/SELF-CARE monthly 0.5 https://www.melissafaye.org/blog/category/ANXIETY monthly 0.5 https://www.melissafaye.org/blog/category/SOMATIC+PRACTICES monthly 0.5 https://www.melissafaye.org/blog/category/MENTAL+HEALTH monthly 0.5 https://www.melissafaye.org/blog/category/YOGA monthly 0.5 https://www.melissafaye.org/blog/category/WELLNESS monthly 0.5 https://www.melissafaye.org/blog/category/STRATEGIES monthly 0.5 https://www.melissafaye.org/home daily 1.0 2026-03-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/e77ab96e-39b0-440b-a77f-55c12431bcca/Homepage+2+Transparent+Background+PNG-2.png Soft Landing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/4b142bdc-e884-4b4d-9098-7765884f791b/Homepage+4+Transparent+Background+PNG.png Soft Landing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/1718afa0-e396-4e8a-addc-d0b8b630c69d/Homepage+5+Transparent+Background+PNG-2.png Soft Landing - My Approach While there are many modalities and approaches to the therapeutic process, evidence shows what we might already intuitively know— that the right “fit” and relationship is the single most important piece when it comes to supporting our healing. My invitation to you is to come just as you are. Considering therapy, whether it’s for the first time or just with a new practitioner, can understandably feel intimidating. My goal is to make it feel approachable, natural, and even exciting. I combine my own lived experience and clinical training + skills to help folks move from patterns of protection (that may have been helpful and even kept us alive or socially belonging at one point, but maybe don’t serve us so well anymore and prevent us from actually living) to patterns of inner + interconnection. In our individual work together we will utilize both somatic (body-based) and cognitive (mind) based approaches to address the whole and support best outcomes as it relates to your goals. As a clinical social worker, I approach therapy through an intersectional socio-cultural lens, recognizing that individuals’ experiences are also shaped by a complex web of identities, systems, and power dynamics. Licensed in both NC + NY, I currently offer virtual sessions or the option of in person for those located in Asheville, NC. Feel free to reach out for a complimentary 15 minute phone consult to see if we are a good fit! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/2ea5d3b7-8186-4fd7-aca1-1c521543294c/Homepage+7+Transparent+Background+PNG-2.png Soft Landing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/c06ac3b9-2c92-4335-a622-3f5ea7d6d226/Homepage+8+Transparent+Background+PNG-2.png Soft Landing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/3830d398-9821-495c-8073-77529b4f1e1c/Homepage+9+Transparent+Background+PNG-2.png Soft Landing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/88b71a44-bc47-45b8-9f19-850d85de80ef/Homepage+10+Transparent+Background+PNG-2.png Soft Landing https://www.melissafaye.org/meetmel daily 0.75 2025-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/86ea4a7e-db75-4f09-a65c-0f9a8962787b/About+Page+2+Transparent+Background+PNG-2.png Meet Melissa - If you’ve found yourself here, you may be wondering a little bit about who I am and what I can offer you… Simply put, none of us are immune to life's challenges and transitions and we also don't come with instructions on how to navigate these. Our healing journeys aren’t linear, but we have to choose to do the work— to choose to acknowledge our pain or suffering so we can release its power, to confront what isn’t or hasn’t been working, to accept that change is a necessary part of life, to do the hard work of self-acceptance. AND we don’t have to do any of this totally alone. It can feel vulnerable, because it is. But (as cheesy as it sounds) in our vulnerability, we discover truth, hope, courage, and connection. It’s in the space of connection where we heal. It’s in this space where I come in…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/0c7bd3f2-94ee-41b6-9e18-8b88be668236/About+Page+4+Transparent+Background+PNG.png Meet Melissa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/e11f6bb2-760e-4bb5-9c6f-4a42bd9681d1/About+Page+5+Transparent+Background+PNG-2.png Meet Melissa - MEET ELLIS Pellentesque eleifend bibendum maximus. Suspendisse non orci justo. Proin ultrices nibh vel ex vehicula, ac posuere tellus laoreet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/b81a586d-4888-4bfb-90bc-ed8e9c1086a3/About+Page+6+Transparent+Background+PNG-2.png Meet Melissa https://www.melissafaye.org/supervision daily 0.75 2025-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/9df5da90-fd04-4c8e-b9d1-dab441cfc9ca/607A0613.jpg Supervision - Make it stand out If you’re interested in supervision or would like to schedule a brief consultation call, please reach out through the “connect” form here! https://www.melissafaye.org/404-page daily 0.75 2022-03-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/1648327517247-P3GKYWR0180ZV2EJUATW/404+Page+1.png 404 Page https://www.melissafaye.org/offerings daily 0.75 2025-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/bbdffcc5-5efa-45b3-9183-741ca46bc48c/Services+Page+2+Transparent+Background+PNG-2.png Offerings - You deserve the time, space, and support you need to heal and grow I don’t view “healing” as suggesting anyone is broken, needs to be fixed, or should be a constant self-improvement project. I see it as an empowering process of meeting and accepting who we really are, again and again, beneath the very real conditioning and impact of systems, culture and past experiences. It’s about trying softer, not harder, and taking compassionate responsibility so we can live and love more consciously in our already-whole nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/32a05a79-2126-4ccf-8bba-999aa0419a8d/Services+Page+4+Transparent+Background+PNG.png Offerings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/fc9effb4-d350-41cc-86e0-de9d17bac689/Services+Page+7+Transparent+Background+PNG-3.png Offerings I offer virtual therapy for residents of North Carolina and New York with an in person option to folks in Asheville, NC. People seek therapy for a variety of reasons and every single one is valid— whether you are wanting to process and resolve a traumatic experience(s), support during a difficult life transition, to understand yourself more deeply, or a more specific issue (my specialties are on my about page), my aim is for our sessions to feel conversational, intuitive but intentional. We incorporate both bottom up (somatic based) and top down (cognitive based) approaches for best outcomes. In our first session we will discuss and identify goals together and check in throughout our work together to make any adjustments as needed. Some clients prefer more short-term therapy, but because I tend to be more psychodynamic and attachment focused in my approach, most of my work with clients is long-term, adjusting frequency as appropriate. However, it is based off client need and preference. If we are not a good fit for any reason, I am happy to give appropriate referrals. ADJUNCT SOMATIC THERAPY I also offer adjunct somatic therapy for clients who are already working with a primary therapist and want additional support connecting with their bodies, easing stored stress, and deepening regulation. In this role, I am happy to collaborate closely with your existing therapist to ensure our work is aligned and supportive— not a replacement for your main therapeutic relationship, but an enhancement of it. Using Somatic Experiencing and somatic parts work (Inner Relationship Focusing), we gently build capacity in the nervous system, increase access to present-moment safety, and engage the body’s natural capacity to renegotiate patterns of protection that formed during overwhelming moments.. This approach can be especially helpful for people navigating chronic illness or chronic pain, trauma related symptoms, panic or anxiety attacks, dissociation, medical trauma, and those who feel “stuck” in talk therapy or notice their symptoms showing up physically. Adjunct somatic therapy offers a grounded, embodied pathway to accompany and deepen the work you’re already doing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/1f51454c-e7cc-40e4-88a1-f0290496b3f9/Services+Page+6+Transparent+Background+PNG-2.png Offerings Coaching is slightly different than therapy in that no mental health diagnosis or clinical records will be kept. High risk needs (suicidal ideation, self-harm ideation or behaviors, psychosis, active addiction, active eating disorder behaviors, etc.) and concerns are not appropriate for coaching. If a referral needs to be made for a higher level of care, appropriate recommendations will be made. Sessions are typically 50 minutes. Our work together is typically more short term, somatic and present focused with coaching. Even if you live outside of North Carolina or New York, coaching is offered virtually via secure video sessions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/67a5f169-76eb-4fc8-8cf1-b6e07901cf5f/Services+Page+7+Transparent+Background+PNG-3.png Offerings The Soft Landing Journal is a month long (28 day) guided journal designed to support anyone wanting to strengthen their mind-body connection, self-regulation skills or those living with chronic mental or physical health symptoms. Each day offers short somatic practices to support your nervous system and mindset prompts to help build trust, resilience, and confidence at a gentle, sustainable pace. Created with both structure and spaciousness, it encourages daily repetition as a way to strengthen new patterns of self-support and inner connection. Available in hard copy or downloadable PDF that can be filled out. Click here to read more or purchase yours! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/bd870795-c495-44a9-b91d-d2b6833bfe0e/Services+Page+7+Transparent+Background+PNG-2.png Offerings There’s something powerful about healing in community. Group offerings provide a space to witness and be witnessed— reminding us that we’re not alone in our experiences. In my group work, we blend gentle somatic practices with nervous system education and connection. I’m co-offering The Soft Landing Group, a virtual Somatic Skills + Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Group designed to support regulation, resilience, and deeper self-trust. Learn more + join us here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/9292fa40-a744-496d-b452-f40cb78df97e/Services+Page+6+Transparent+Background+PNG-3.png Offerings I offer supportive, relational clinical supervision for NC LCSWAs in the Asheville area. My style is grounded, collaborative, and trauma-informed, with plenty of space for reflection, skill-building, and building confidence in your clinical voice. I see supervision as a meaningful way to pay forward the mentorship we all benefit from in this field, and I’m honored to walk alongside new clinicians as they grow. For more info, click here. https://www.melissafaye.org/connect daily 0.75 2025-10-14 https://www.melissafaye.org/socials daily 0.75 2026-03-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/101b8758-e080-49cf-bdf9-c200fb242fef/SocialsPage+5+Transparent+Background+PNG-3.png Social Media Policy + Links - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.melissafaye.org/info daily 0.75 2025-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/a4ffab6a-a1f2-4818-b935-81ef0a979f98/Info+Page+2+Transparent+Background+PNG-2.png FAQ - You’re right on time Choosing someone to walk with you in your healing journey is important. Reaching out for support can feel intimidating, too. I’ll do my best to answer some commonly asked questions people have when considering working with me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/be79e4e0-6a89-47dc-a60f-3e150b96ceed/Info+Page+4+Transparent+Background+PNG-2.png FAQ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/73f5b2df-29a6-4bc2-8db7-946af271364d/Info+Page+8+Transparent+Background+PNG.png FAQ What can I expect in working with you? My invitation to you is to come just as you are. You can expect to be met with respect, compassion, humor and understanding in a casual environment. We’ll do the work at your own pace, but together. I currently offer virtual sessions through HIPAA compliant software and in person in Asheville, NC. While the energy and structure may be casual, I am still a professional in my work with you. I have degrees, licenses and trainings that are up to date and I uphold confidentiality in our work together. To find out if we are a good fit, please consider reaching out for a free 15 minute consult here. https://www.melissafaye.org/benefitsofsomaticexperiencing daily 0.75 2024-08-05 https://www.melissafaye.org/softlandinggroup daily 0.75 2026-03-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/1751072115036-GYPTG28KIW1DBYF9GL4H/unsplash-image-LIRhL0zOCmA.jpg Soft Landing Group SSP - The Soft Landing Group: Somatic Skills & Safe and Sound Protocol a 6-Week Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Group for Regulation + Connection, Co-facilitated by Melissa Middlebrook, LCSW, SEP & Elena Johnson, LCMHC, LCAS Thursdays May 7, 14, 21 and June 4, 11, 25 12-130PM EST Limited to 6 participants | $675 https://www.melissafaye.org/store daily 0.75 57326-12-21 https://www.melissafaye.org/store/p/the-soft-landing-journal-fillable-pdf-version monthly 0.5 2025-08-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/e14f6934-bd14-4e6d-a22e-d81b24deb28c/Screen+Shot+2025-08-02+at+4.11.25+PM.png Resources Store - The Soft Landing Journal (fillable PDF version) https://www.melissafaye.org/store/p/the-soft-landing-journal-hardcopy monthly 0.5 2025-12-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/f2ea794b-5643-401a-8471-a7e3c265bab8/IMG_3267.jpg Resources Store - The Soft Landing Journal (hard copy, spiral bound) - IMG_3267.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/14b7f6c8-642f-4987-b790-2e1f9b39a72c/IMG_3415.jpg Resources Store - The Soft Landing Journal (hard copy, spiral bound) - IMG_3415.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/623f7b5189d1a62f971451c1/e2905073-11e8-4902-9a9a-ca1e69171d1b/tempImagezsvnkw.gif Resources Store - The Soft Landing Journal (hard copy, spiral bound) - tempImagezsvnkw.gif