Melinda Switzer - Beauty for Ashes Trauma Therapy and Treatment (She/Her)
Counselor/Therapist, Melinda Switzer, MA, LPC, NCC
In-Person in Tyler, TX 75703
Online in Texas
As one who has experienced complex trauma myself, I believe I can relate to my clients’ experiences and needs. My philosophy is no one should have to live under the shadow of trauma and how it affects the body. Trauma can be tough on survivors, but there is help and hope for healing. Most trauma victims exhibit some signs and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This can lead to Anxiety, Depression, Disassociation, and a myriad of other mental illnesses. These are the areas I specialize in by offering healing and hope to my clients allowing them to be in control of their trauma and not their trauma being in control of them. Strong mental health is so important and can change the trajectory of your life by helping you go from debilitating disorders to manageable and healthy mental health.
https://compassionworks.com/a-mothers-story-september-suicide-awareness-month/
Client Focus
Session Format: Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Children, Senior, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Asian, Black / African American, Christian, Hispanic / Latino, Jewish, LDS/Mormon, LGBTQ+, Men, Middle Eastern, Military / Veterans, Muslim, Native American, Pacific Islander, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Helps people accept difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to actions that reflect their values. It blends mindfulness with practical behavior strategies.
- Art Therapy Uses creative activities like drawing, painting, or sculpture as a way to express emotions. It is especially helpful when words are hard to find.
- Biopsychosocial Therapy Takes into account biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental health. It looks at the whole person, not just symptoms.
- Christian Counseling Blends psychological practices with Christian values and scripture. It provides faith-based support for life challenges and spiritual growth.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Builds skills in self-kindness and compassion toward others. It is especially helpful for people who struggle with shame or self-criticism.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Combines CBT with mindfulness to help regulate emotions, tolerate stress, and build stronger relationships. Originally designed for borderline personality disorder, it’s now used more broadly.
- Eclectic Therapy Draws from different therapeutic methods based on what fits each client best. It is flexible and personalized rather than following one single model.
- Experiential Therapy Involves hands-on activities to bring emotions into the present moment. It helps clients process feelings more deeply than through conversation alone.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories. It is widely recognized for treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
- Multicultural Therapy Acknowledges the role of culture, race, and identity in mental health. It values diversity and adapts treatment to each person’s background.
- Narrative Therapy Encourages people to view problems as separate from themselves and reframe their life story. It helps build resilience and self-identity.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Play Therapy Uses toys, games, and creative play to help children express emotions. It is especially useful when children can’t fully verbalize their feelings.
- Psychoeducational Therapy Provides education and coping tools about mental health conditions. It empowers clients with knowledge and practical skills.
- Psychosocial Therapy Looks at how social and environmental factors affect psychological health. It emphasizes relationships, community, and resilience.
- Sandplay Therapy Uses sand trays and miniature figures to allow symbolic expression. It is especially helpful for children and trauma survivors.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
Approach Description: Direct and forthcoming communication with you, medical & mental history taking, assessments, and measures to see where you are in your journey and what you would be best suited for regarding therapy and treatment. One therapy modality does not fit everyone, so it is a fluid process of monitoring improvement and outcome, what you are most comfortable with, and what will give you the greatest opportunity for success.
Education & Credentials
Melinda Switzer - Beauty for Ashes Trauma Therapy and Treatment Melinda Switzer, MA, LPC, NCC
- Female
- License # 87815
- Licensed in TX
- Practicing Since 2022
Education: Bachelor's Degree - LeTourneau University 2005
Master of Art in Licensed Professional Counseling - Liberty University, 2021
EMDR Certified
TFCBT Certified
PBT - Trained - Seeking Certification
PCC - Upcoming Training
DBT - Certified
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee 150
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- Discount for First Responders/Veterans seeking EMDR -
- Accepts Insurance
- Cigna, Aetna, Bluecross Blueshield of Massachusetts, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Oxford (Optum) , United Healthcare (Optum), and Oscar (Optum)
Melinda Switzer - Beauty for Ashes Trauma Therapy and Treatment Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Tyler, TX 75703
- Available Online for residents of Texas
- Online Therapy Details: Zoom & Doxyme are the platforms I utilize for telehealth
Beauty for Ashes Trauma Treatment and Therapy, LLC. was established in memory of my son Matthew who lost his battle to mental health issues. While attempting to navigate my son's death, my body and brain turned against me, and I would never wish that upon anyone. I went from a successful 29-plus-year career in Emergency Medical Services to a debilitated, depressed, anxious, unhappy, lost, almost faithless, and non-functioning adult. The help that I got through the mental health system and only by God's grace and mercy, was the only thing that saved me. I decided that the only way I could make this situation work for good instead of evil was to attempt to find out what happened to me and why, by becoming a therapist, so I could help others navigate through the difficulties that I have been through with first-hand experience. I believe that those who have been in the trauma trenches can better understand and know what their client is experiencing and help them make sense of it. Sometimes it can be a very lonely journey, and I would be most humbled and honored to assist you in walking that journey. The flow of my therapy practice consists of first learning about you, your strengths, weaknesses, desires, and what you want your future to look like. I will then do some assessments and investigations to determine what you need regarding therapy, support, and success in your treatment. You and I together will do a treatment plan for you to make sure that you are comfortable with the therapy modality chosen and are motivated and willing to complete the work.