Melanie Lawson, MSW, LMSW
Supervised by Jonette Coquat, PHD, LCSW-S, LCDC
Hi! I am glad you stopped by to check out my profile and learn more about me. My name is Melanie. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker working towards an animal-assisted counseling certification. I have two adorable pups that are on that journey with me, Autumn (white and beige) and Gertie (tricolor). Autumn is older and currently available to assist with counseling. Gertie is still a puppy and needs more training before she will be available to assist with counseling.
I attended the University of North Carolina at Pembroke for both my bachelor (BSW) and master (MSW) degrees. It was through my education that I discovered animal-assisted counseling and the benefits clients gain from having an animal present. I am happy to provide counseling with the assistance of one of my pups or without one of my pups, based on your preference. My approach to counseling is tailored to each client. Each client is unique and requires a counselor to integrate different theoretic approaches to meet the needs of their clients. Theoretic approaches I rely on when working with clients are systems theory, person-centered, strengths perspective, and cognitive behavioral theory, while keeping a humanistic approach at the forefront. I believe that through helping clients understand the strengths they already have they can achieve their goals and dreams.
Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams come true, if we have the courage to pursue them”. I like to think of this in the terms of goals and I hope that I can help you find your courage to pursue your goals when dealing with your mental health needs.
Fun Fact: Gertie’s name was chosen because it is short for Gertrude which means “spear of strength”. It is my hope that clients who choose to have Autumn/Gertie present will find a sense of strength needed to have open discussions during sessions.
This clinician offers Prepare / Enrich services. Click here for more information.