Hello, My name is Melissa

My name is Melissa Griffing and I am a licensed therapist. Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to work with kids and families. I distinctly remember a conversation with my mom when I was about 16, volunteering at a Saturday child-care program. I remember saying, “These kids are so great, and these parents care so much, everyone just needs a little help.” Little did I know that statement would lead me down a path to helping families become the best version of themselves.

 

I have worn a lot of hats in my life. I am a certified sleep consultant, a licensed therapist, a mother, and a military wife. I’ve tried my hand at teaching, which led me to the world of therapy, and I failed miserably at sales for one of those MLM pyramid scheme companies. However, the hardest job I have ever had in my life, hands down, has been being a mom. I tell my clients, if it were any other job, you’d likely quit because the hours are long, you lose sleep, you constantly worry if you’re performing well enough, there is no such thing as instant gratification, and you give your entire self to this job, all without monetary pay. With that being said, there is no quitting parenthood. But once you start to reap the benefits, who would want to? When your baby smiles for the first time, when your kid hits those important milestones, when your child comes running to you to show you the drawing they are so proud of… those are the moments that make it all worthwhile.

 

These are the reasons I am so passionate about my job. I have experienced the difference between a home that is chaotic and a home that is calm. I help parents learn the skills they need to create a calm and loving environment, while at the same time, helping kids to learn the skills to emotionally regulate and thrive. 

 

When I am not at work, I am busy being a mom to my 3 sweet boys and am a proud military spouse. Together, we enjoy playing outside, swimming, watching movies, and traveling as much as we can. I am also currently working on my Ph.D. in Counseling so if I'm not with my family or at work, I am buried in a textbook or working on a paper. My husband and I both grew up in Dallas and we just love this area. We love being able to show our kids all the fun activities Dallas has to offer.

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I began working as a therapist in 2018 after graduating from Southern Methodist University with a Master’s in Counseling, specializing in play therapy, adolescent therapy, parent training, individual therapy, and perinatal therapy. I completed my undergrad at the University of Mississippi, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Elementary Education. My biggest passion in life is giving families the tools they need to feel confident, happy, and successful. I believe that you are the expert on your family and your child. I just happen to know a lot about child development, best parenting practices, and coping skills. Together, we will work vigorously to meet your family's individual needs to bring peace and joy back into your home.