Meet Our Team

Biography

Architecture for the Flourishing Mind

I’m Dr. Melissa Barnaschone, a licensed psychologist dedicated to supporting your growth through insight, strategy, and the belief that every mind can be shaped to flourish. With nearly two decades of experience, I help individuals stretch their thinking through meaningful conversations, creativity, and strengths-based approaches—working together to design a life that truly works for you.

My fascination with how people think, feel, behave, grow, and thrive sparked my journey to becoming a psychologist. After earning my PhD in Psychology from the University of the Free State in South Africa, I’ve dedicated my work to exploring the mind and understanding its role in navigating life’s complexities, while co-designing lives that truly flourish.

As a therapist, I am an explorer of innovative ideas and creative solutions, always striving to bring new perspectives into the therapy space. I view the therapeutic relationship as one built on trust and mutual respect, offering a safe environment for my clients to explore and reflect on their thoughts and emotions.

My approach is collaborative at its core. My clients and I work together to co-create meaningful change. I support them in expanding their self-awareness, recognizing their behavioral patterns, reframing challenges, harnessing their strengths, and unlocking their potential. I believe in pushing psychological limits and embracing challenges - not just for myself, but for those I work with - always aiming for greater potential.

My specialties include:

• Solution-focused therapy: Focuses on present goals, possibilities, and desired outcomes rather than an extensive analysis of the past.
• Rational-Emotive-Behavioral therapy (REBT): Examines and reshapes the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to promote healthier emotional responses.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addresses unhelpful thinking patterns to improve emotional regulation, mood, and behavior.
• Strength-based Therapy: Enhances wellbeing by focusing on clients’ existing strengths and inner resources.

Outside of my professional work, I find joy in creative pursuits - whether through cooking, decorating, or exploring new experiences. My love for art, travel, and the beauty of life’s small moments fuels my energy and nourishes my mental wellbeing.