Melissa Southwood
AMFT 152218

ABOUT ME

I am a cis-white neurodivergent lesbian committed to supporting individuals and their families as they heal from Complex PTSD, attachment trauma, coercive control, and narcissistic abuse by fostering the development of a deep sense of Self.

Reclaim confidence and trust in knowing your own lived experience. I am an IFS-I trained therapist. Internal Family Systems is a non-pathologizing approach that allows clients to tap into compassion, playfulness and curiosity as they witness and rebuild a relationship with Self as I provide tools for my clients to learn how to safely create space for the multitude of parts working hard to protect their system as they sit with them, witnessing and better understanding their own complex internal experience. During this process clients build trust in their core sense of Self they can rely on to lead them through life with clarity and resilience.

My approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and tailored to the specific needs of each client emphasizing safety, empowerment, and practical skills for navigating relationships and systemic harm. I aim to create a collaborative therapeutic space where clients rediscover their inner resources, restore agency, autonomy and build sustainable pathways to healing and connection.

My therapy services are available in-person in Oakland as well as over Telehealth to residents of California. While I do not accept insurance, I am able to provide a super bill that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Sliding scale fees are available on a case by case basis.

EXPERIENCE

I have maintained a small private practice in Oakland through Axis Mundi Center for Mental Health since 2018, integrating somatic therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), art therapy, and sound healing into my work with clients. My approach blends body-centered techniques with trauma-informed psychotherapeutic models which support healing, regulation, and personal growth.

I tailor interventions to each client’s needs, drawing on creative and sensory modalities to access and process experiences that can be difficult to reach with talk alone. I have completed level 1 &2 trainings in EMDR. I have completed level 1 IFS training and am currently enrolled in level 2 training through the IFS Institute.

When I am not seeing private clients, I serve as a mental health counselor at a specialized school for neurodivergent students in grades 6–12 whose needs exceed what mainstream public school settings typically provide. I have served in this role since fall of 2022 collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, providing individual counseling, leading social emotional learning groups, support behavioral and emotional regulation skills, and consult with teachers and families to create inclusive, safe, supportive and very much individualized learning environments. My work in both private practice and school settings is guided by a commitment to respect, attunement, and empowerment for clients of all ages.