Heidi Mela (she/her)

I specialize in treating adult survivors of complex trauma and recognize the impact that historical/intergenerational trauma has on perpetuating cycles of harm within family systems. My goal is never to blame/shame parents or families- rather, my focus is on helping my clients shift from judgment to curiosity in order to better understand learned patterns and find ways to break the cycle of trauma.

I am passionate about working with late-diagnosed Autistics and work at the intersection between neurodivergence and trauma. My blended treatment approach includes Gestalt, EMDR, TCTSY and communication skills-building; all of which allow my clients to feel more embodied and accepting of their needs and feelings, and empowered to advocate for themselves.

I specialize in both PTSD and C-PTSD and utilize multiple modalities to help my clients overcome past traumatic events and live more fulfilling lives in the present. I do not dictate what will work best for you in therapy. We will work together to customize our treatment goals and tailor interventions specifically for your needs.

I am a TCTSY facilitator and incorporate embodied movement into my sessions for clients who are interested. As per traumasensitiveyoga.com: "TCTSY is the first yoga-based empirically validated, clinical intervention for complex trauma or chronic, treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)".

Gestalt Therapy is a psycho-dynamic, present-centered and relational approach to talk therapy. I believe that a person’s history colors how they experience the present, but that few are fully aware of this process in day-to-day life. We’ll work together to move from judgment to curiosity, so that we can notice what reactions are based on historical assumptions, or grounded in our actual, shared experience of one another in the here-and-now.

I am an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist and have used EMDR successfully in my practice for over two years. EMDR can easily be adapted for tele-therapy and has proven effective for the treatment of PTSD, C-PTSD, anxiety and low self-esteem.