Melanie Ward
She/Her
online, Greenville, South Carolina, USA
Life feels so impossibly hard and simple tasks feel unmanageable, like your body is stuck while your mind races endlessly. You know you're capable of more but have been repeatedly derailed by trying to cope with childhood or other relationship abuse, religious trauma, or a chronic illness. You've discovered you're autistic/ADHD and aren’t sure what that means for you. On top of everything, the world feels like it's falling apart, and every news cycle brings new attacks on your sexuality, gender identity, or neurotype. You’ve been on the verge of burnout your whole life, and now you’ve finally been swallowed by it.
About Me and How I Work
I'm a queer AuDHD (autistic and ADHD) person myself, and I'm passionate about working with others in those communities. I bring both lived experience and clinical expertise to our work together. My focus areas include late diagnosed neurodivergence, childhood and intimate partner abuse, gender identity issues, chronic illness and pain, and religious trauma.
I use an eclectic approach blending person-centered, existential, feminist, narrative, and Brainspotting therapies. Sessions are collaborative—I won't pathologize your neurodivergence or try to "fix" you. We'll look at your experiences in context—not as personal failings, but as the natural response to navigating systems and expectations that weren't made for you. You don't have to pretend here.
Qualifications and Professional Experience
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University, 2024
SC LPC-A 8889, supervised by Samantha Diamond
Brainspotting Phase 1
HPSO insurance
Next Steps
Find more information about me and access my calendar to schedule a free 15 minute consultation at www.marginaliacounseling.com. You can also text or call me at 864-251-5079 or email me at melanie@marginaliacounseling.com. I will answer within 48 hours, but usually more quickly. All sessions are virtual so I can see anyone in South Carolina from my home base in Greenville, SC.
55 minute sessions are $100. I do not accept insurance but do have sliding scale spots!