ABOUT CATHERINE
A grounded, experienced approach to therapy.
I am Catherine M. Melo, MSW, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker based in Vancouver, Washington. I have been working with adults and couples since 1990, both in person and through telehealth.
I see clients both in person at my Vancouver office and by telehealth across Washington, Oregon and California.
I started my professional Social Work career providing medical social work in both acute and rehab hospitals. I left medical settings to work with combat veterans at the VA for nearly 10 years before opening my private practice over 20 years ago.
Experience changes how you listen
After thirty-five years, I have seen people arrive for a great many different reasons. Some are carrying something from decades ago that still shapes the present. Some are couples who care a great deal about each other and keep having the same painful conversation. Some simply know that something is not working and want to understand why.
My job is not to tell you who you ought to be. It is to help you see what is actually happening, name the pattern that keeps getting in the way, and find a way forward that holds up outside this room.
What it is like to work with me
My style is warm, collaborative, and direct.
I listen carefully. I also engage.
Therapy with me is not sitting quietly while you do all the talking. If I think something is going on, I will say so. I am not going to nod along while you circle the same ground for months, because that is not what you are paying me for.
Being direct and being harsh are different things. I am not in a hurry with you, and I will not push you somewhere you are not ready to go.
My approach
The method matters. So does the relationship.
Different people need different things, which is why I work from several approaches rather than applying one to everyone.
We can talk about what you need and whether the way I work is a fit.
EMDR
Imago Relationship Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Relational Therapy
Interpersonal Therapy
Trauma-Focused Therapy
A life outside the therapy room
I have had greyhounds for many years. People who come into my office work that out fairly quickly.
I use them as examples probably more than I should, particularly with couples.
I like to say, Dogs get it right. They love unconditionally. They ask for what they want. They greet you with heartfelt joy. They do not keep a running record of every mistake you have made and they forgive easily.
Training and credentials that matter
I hold a Master of Social Work from California State University, Fresno, and I am licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in Washington, Oregon and California. I have advanced training in EMDR and in Imago Relationship Therapy.
Years in practice
In practice since 1990, working with adults and couples
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Clinical license
Licensed in Washington, Oregon and California WA license LW 60786328
Advanced training
Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for trauma
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You do not need to know exactly what you want before you call
We can start with a conversation and work out from there whether this is a fit.
