Melissa Maaske , LICSW

Melissa Maaske, LICSW, is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker practicing in Minnesota with 10 years of clinical experience. She supports people navigating stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, and concerns about self-esteem, combining practical strategies with a compassionate, respectful approach.

Melissa emphasizes a collaborative and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship, helping individuals take the steps needed to understand their patterns, make clearer decisions, and communicate more effectively with partners and loved ones. She frames therapy as a process that invites curiosity about oneself and the courage to pursue a more fulfilling life.

With a focus on building skills and insight, Melissa encourages clients to recognize their strengths while addressing the obstacles that keep them stuck. She honors each person s experience and works to create a space where growth is possible at a pace that fits the individual. Seeking support can feel difficult, and Melissa affirms that taking that first step reflects resilience and worthiness of care.

Evidence-Informed Approaches and Remote Care Options

Melissa commonly blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy with Motivational Interviewing to tailor care to each person s needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, making it useful for anxiety, depression, and stress management. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships, which can help with intense emotions and interpersonal conflict. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative conversational style that helps people clarify their goals and strengthen their motivation to change, often used when addressing ambivalence around habits or addiction.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Melissa works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their goals, preferences, and life circumstances, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds. This shared decision making helps align therapy with what matters most to each person.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, allowing clients to access licensed professionals from different locations and at varied times. These options can make it easier to maintain continuity of care around work, family, or other commitments while still receiving professional therapeutic support.