We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa Shaw a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Melissa , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I stumbled upon my purpose through a mix of personal experiences and a strong sense of empathy. Growing up in a home with one adopted sister and one foster sister, I got a front-row seat to witness how family struggles can profoundly impact children. It was eye-opening to see how these challenges could affect their emotional well-being and development.
That’s when it hit me – if I could somehow contribute to healing and strengthening family dynamics, I could make a positive difference not only in the lives of the children but also in the lives of the adults involved. I’ve always believed that when families are in harmony, it creates a nurturing environment for everyone to thrive.
As I delved deeper into understanding and supporting individuals within family settings, I realized that I had a natural ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level. My passion for this work, paired with my knack for seeing patterns, allowed me to engage with people in a way that made them feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood.
This journey led me to the realization that becoming a therapist was a natural progression of my abilities and my genuine desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. I discovered that my greatest influence came when I could address trauma and relationship issues, helping individuals and families heal and strengthen their bonds.
So, you could say that my purpose found me in the intersection of personal experiences, a genuine passion for helping others, and a knack for connecting with people on a profound level. It’s a journey I’m excited to continue, as I work towards creating more harmonious and fulfilling relationships within families and among individuals.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I appreciate the opportunity to share more about my professional journey and the heart of what I do. I’m a passionate therapist who refuses to be confined by traditional approaches. What sets my practice apart is my commitment to using my entire self and harnessing creativity to access the healing potential that already resides within my clients.
What’s most exciting and special about my work is the belief that every individual has an innate capacity to heal and transform their lives. I see my role as a facilitator of that process, helping my clients tap into their own strength and resilience.
Recognizing my own limitations, I’ve taken the step to expand my practice by bringing on a team of skilled therapists who complement my approach. Together, we form a well-rounded team with a shared focus on trauma and marriage counseling. Each of us brings a unique perspective and approach to the table.
One thing I’m particularly proud of is that I’m selective about the therapists I bring into my practice. I ensure that they share my passion for helping others and are genuinely dedicated to the well-being of our clients. It’s not just about finding a job for them; it’s about their deep commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.
As for what’s new, we’re continually evolving and learning. We’re excited to be exploring innovative therapeutic techniques and staying up-to-date with the latest research in trauma and marriage counseling. We’re always striving to provide the best possible support for our clients.
In essence, what defines my practice is a dedication to helping individuals and couples navigate their healing journey with compassion, creativity, and a commitment to their well-being. We’re here to provide a safe and nurturing space for transformation, and we want our clients to know they’re in good hands when they embark on their path to healing.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as the most impactful in my professional growth:
Accessibility: Being accessible to clients is crucial. When someone reaches out, I want them to have immediate support and feel valued from the first interaction. This accessibility fosters trust and reassures clients that they are not alone on their journey to healing. My advice to those starting their journey is to prioritize responsiveness and empathy. Make sure you are available to listen and guide clients when they need it most. This begins with active and attentive communication.
Authenticity: Authenticity is a cornerstone of my practice. I believe in being genuine and transparent with my clients. It’s about being yourself and allowing clients to see the real you. Authenticity helps build a strong therapist-client relationship based on trust and openness. My advice to those early in their journey is to embrace who you are as a person and a professional. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Clients appreciate authenticity, and it can create a more profound and lasting connection.
Creativity and Fun: Incorporating creativity and an element of fun into therapy can be transformative. It allows clients to explore their emotions and experiences in unique ways, making the healing process more engaging and enjoyable. My advice is to not be afraid to think outside the box. Incorporate creative techniques, exercises, or activities that resonate with your clients and make therapy a positive and dynamic experience.
To those beginning their journey, I would emphasize the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement. Stay open to new approaches, seek mentorship from experienced professionals, and always prioritize the well-being and growth of your clients. Remember that therapy is not just about knowledge and skills; it’s also about the human connection, empathy, and the ability to make the healing journey as comfortable and effective as possible.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
This might sound cliche to those of you in this field, but I can’t deny my love of Brent Brown. My favorite book is her audible book, “The Power Of Vulnerability”. This has seriously been a game-changer for me.
My favorite nuggets:
-Embracing Imperfection-it’s your superpower.
-Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. She’s like your friendly nudge to drop that perfectionism act and just be you.
-Imperfections are what make us human, and embracing them can lead to genuine, no-BS connections. As a therapist, this is gold because it’s all about creating a safe, no-judgment zone for clients to let their guard down.
-Brené is all about the importance of listening and really getting someone’s story. It’s like a masterclass in building trust and digging deep in therapy.
-Take risks and out of your comfort zone. In my therapist world, it’s about trying new techniques and being open to fresh ideas.
-Live life with your whole heart. Embrace vulnerability, practice gratitude, and build resilience. These principles have not only made me a better therapist but also influenced how I approach life, helping me live more authentically.
Contact Info:
- Website: knotcounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knottherapyonline/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KnotTherapyOnline
