Melissa Reighn

Melissa Reighn is a licensed mental health counselor who practices in New York and brings 15 years of professional experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, mood struggles, trauma and abuse. Melissa also helps those dealing with parenting strain, attention differences, eating concerns, and bipolar symptoms.

Her approach treats each person as the expert of their own life. Sessions focus on building on existing strengths and finding practical steps forward. Melissa aims to make the first steps toward change feel manageable and supported.

In therapy she uses a mix of approaches chosen to fit the person and the problem. Techniques come from acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused work, client-centered methods, and EMDR when relevant. She combines these tools to address symptoms and daily functioning rather than promising a specific outcome.

Melissa has worked with people facing long-term health issues, caregiver stress, grief and loss, relationship conflicts, substance concerns, immigration-related stress, and intellectual disability as one of many focus areas. Her experience also includes helping people affected by domestic violence and first responder issues.

Sessions are collaborative and paced to the client. Melissa aims to listen first, then suggest practical strategies and coping skills. She supports people who want clearer routines, better communication, or relief from overwhelming feelings.

How therapeutic approaches shape online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people notice what matters to them and take small steps toward those values even when unpleasant thoughts or feelings show up. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change patterns that cause distress. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused method that can help reduce the intensity of upsetting memories and the feelings that come with them.

Choosing the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work together with the client to decide which methods feel like the best fit based on goals and preferences. That collaboration means plans can change over time as needs evolve.

If you are considering online work, confirm current session options before booking since formats are not specified here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, shorten travel time, and allow for flexible scheduling around work or caregiving. Some approaches lend themselves to short skill-building sessions while others require longer, focused work; Melissa will discuss what format and pacing suit each person during the initial steps.