Gottman Method therapists in Wildwood, Missouri MO

You deserve therapy that truly helps you move forward, not just talk in circles. With a warm, down-to-earth approach, I create a space where you feel safe to be real—no judgment, no fluff. Using Gottman therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS), I tailor each session to your unique needs, helping you break through patterns, heal, and create lasting change. If you're ready for therapy that actually works, let’s connect.  

Hi, I’m Dr. Melissa Jermann, a licensed psychologist with a deep passion for helping individuals overcome the challenges of OCD, anxiety, trauma, and perfectionism. I understand how these struggles can affect every aspect of your life, making even the smallest decisions or tasks feel overwhelming. That’s why my practice is committed to providing compassionate and evidence-based care that empowers you to reclaim your life!  

Welcome to Avena Psychological Services, where your journey to a more balanced and fulfilling life begins with the compassion and expertise of our team of dedicated therapists. We are committed to providing a supportive and non-judgmental space where our clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, struggles, and experiences with professionals who genuinely care and appreciate the privilege of being part of that journey. With a focus on creating collaborative and empathetic therapeutic relationships, our therapists will work alongside you to develop strategies and insights that empower you to navigate life's challenges. Avena Psychological Services is committed to helping our clients build resilience, gain clarity, and achieve their personal goals. Together, we will uncover your strengths and explore pathways to a more meaningful and satisfying life.  

The right fit is of the upmost importance as you select your psychologist. Here are some things about me that I hope will help you evaluate that! 1. I love that I get to do this work every day and use the information I know to help people live fuller lives. It’s a distinct honor and privilege to be part of people making big changes in their lives, moving forward after past traumas, making changes within themselves or how they talk to themselves, trying out new ways of engaging in relationships, or starting to believe for the first time that they just might deserve the life they want to lead. 2. Being a counseling psychologist was a very intentional choice for me. I didn’t know I wanted to be a therapist until I was a Junior in college. Originally, I completed a Master’s program and seriously considered getting licensed and living happily ever after as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I knew I loved providing therapy, but I also knew I wanted to learn more! So, I decided to go forward and get my PhD in Counseling Psychology—a degree that I believe has truly allowed me to understand the complexities of psychology and provided the depth of training and experience I needed to become the kind of therapist I wanted to be. As a psychologist, I am an expert in the human experience, both when it’s working well and when issues arise. I understand the complex integration that biochemistry and genetics play as they engage with the environment and sociocultural influences leading to direct effects on mood, well-being, and mental and physical health. This applies to us as individuals, and in the various roles we play as partners, workers, parents, and within our circles of friends and family. As a counseling psychologist, I help people with physical, emotional, and mental disorders improve well-being, alleviate distress and maladjustment, and resolve crises (APA, 2012). I believe that all of these things make psychologists like myself uniquely skilled in providing psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treating mental health disorders. 3. I have been a therapist all over this country. That may not seem like a big deal, but it has provided me some pretty unique experiences that have fundamentally changed how I do what I do. I’ve worked as a therapist in a fancy high-rise building in New York City. I’ve done therapy sitting on the floor of my client’s living room (while I worked in community mental health in low SES areas). So many different needs, so many different lifestyles and backgrounds! These experiences taught me that there are just a few core things required to have a healing experience in therapy, but they all start with two people together in a room, genuinely trying to connect with one another. I also see a direct connection between these experiences and my dedication to practice with respect, compassion, and equity for all. 4. I work with people, not “problems.” I can’t tell you how many of my clients have commented on this in some way or another. They express feeling supported and safe because we don’t allow therapy to minimize them to just those things that they may struggle with… we aim to understand their whole-person just a bit better each time we sit down. While yes, sometimes that includes some serious concerns, we work on understanding how this may make sense given their history/experiences, what they want to work towards changing, and we do it with lots of self-compassion along the way. 5. When I’m not working… you’d be most likely to find me cooking, relaxing with my dog, or practicing piano. I began teaching myself piano about 2 1/2 years ago (through an iPad app no less) and I thoroughly enjoy the “brain break” it provides me. More recently, I’ve been working on some crafting and home DIY projects. I love figuring out just how much I can make out of goods purchased only from the Dollar Tree (not kidding). Finally, I am an amateur connoisseur of coffee, pickles, and popcorn, and I take these things very seriously.  

I am drawn to raw unfiltered courage. Going to therapy a brave choice and it takes tenacity and grit to feel differently and make changes in our lives. When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we become the author who writes the brave new ending. Together we will examine the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are holding you back identify the new choices and practices that will move you toward more authentic and wholehearted living. Rarely is that decision a whim or an impulse, and most likely you've been thinking about this for a while. Now here you are; being curious and maybe nervous and scared at the same time. In my opinion - that is bravery and brave things are rarely comfortable, but always worth trying. Whether you are looking to make a shift in your relationships, provide help and guidance for your children, or you have reached a point in your own life where you no longer want to "figure it out alone"- you have come to a good place to get moving. It can get better. We all struggle at times - with anxiety, depression, and stress - along with the circumstances in our lives that contribute to these feelings. The "feelings" themselves are never wrong. Where we get into trouble (and can feel stuck in them) is when we can't make sense of it all and isolation creeps in. You're not in this alone.