Melissa Helbach
Service(s) Offered:
Counseling
EMDR* (CA clients only)
Therapeutic modalities: DBT, Polyvagal Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Solutions-Focused Therapy
Who I Work With:
Individual Adults (Male & Female)
Couples
Minors 5+
Clinical counselor for California residents (can provide mental health diagnoses at her discretion); pastoral counselor for non-California residents (mental health diagnoses cannot be given for non-California residents)
Supervised by Amaryah Reedy
Availability:
In-person and virtual appointments
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
What You’ll Come Away With:
My goal is to give you the skills you need to walk in long-term transformation with God as your truest Counselor. With my unique blend of evidence-based therapeutic practices, Sozo tools, out-of-the-box thinking and an optimistic attitude, my aim is to help you “tear off all heaviness and put on a garment of praise” (Isaiah 61:3).
I believe that freedom truly is available to you, and together, we’ll develop solutions to the unique problems you’re facing as you encounter God’s healing touch. Practically speaking, I can also use my background as a nutritionist and chef to give tips for altering your eating habits so you feel alive in mind, spirit, and body.
Biography:
I was blessed to be raised in a loving, Christian home after accepting Jesus into my heart at a young age. Unfortunately, however, there were also “acceptable sins” in my home environment… including the uncontrollable temper that I began exhibiting too. The slightest thing would set me off, and it wasn’t until my early years of marriage (when my husband confronted this behavior in me) that I went on a journey of healing with God. In this journey, I learned how to process my emotions, pinpoint what was triggering me, and act on my values rather than my feelings.
This new skillset was invaluable as I navigated the challenges of raising four children in the midst of various entrepreneurial endeavors. Despite my goal to build a Christ-centered, harmonious, and healthy family, there were many sleepless nights as I cried out to Jesus to bring my children to the point in their lives where they’d each choose to “love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind.” I’m grateful to testify that all my children now love and follow Jesus after the mountains and valleys of those years.
I’m a lifelong learner who values growth, achievement, connection, and experiencing an adventurous life with God. While raising our kids, my husband and I traveled to and immersed ourselves in 50 different countries around the globe. We experienced diverse cultural values, religious backgrounds and family dynamics which now helps me understand and relate with a wide variety of people. In May 2016, I fulfilled a dream of opening a café with my children, so I was crushed when the 2020 pandemic forced our family to close all our cafes. During the sabbatical that followed, God taught me how to surrender, rest, and thrive without striving. I then decided to pursue my master’s degree in counseling and moved to Redding about a year ago to complete my clinical hours. My husband and I were blessed to visit Bethel on our first Sunday in Redding, and we’ve considered it our church home since then!
In my personal time, I enjoy family, trekking around the world, hiking, swimming, mountain biking, and creating culinary goodness. I love my life, and I’m so excited to be on staff at the Transformation Center!
Experience & Education:
Basic Sozo Training, 2023
Advanced Sozo Training, 2023
Shabar Training, 2023
Sozo First Chair Internship Program, 2023-2024
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (AMFT)
M.S. Clinical Mental Health (emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy), Grand Canyon University, 2023
B.A. Sociology & Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 1993
Brainspotting Phase One, Pacific Counseling and Trauma Center, 2024
EMDR Therapy, Advanced Educational Institute, 2023
Advanced Trauma-Informed Certification, PESI, 2023
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certification (TF-CBT), Medical University of South Carolina, 2022
