Melissa Upton, LPC

Melissa Upton is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Mississippi and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). She earned both a master’s degree and a specialist degree in school counseling from Mississippi State University, and she brings deep experience from working in public schools.

Her background includes 14 years of experience in school counseling and a total of 25 years working within the public school system, including long-term work with adolescents. Over that time she has provided help with anger management, depression, anxiety, coping skills, relationship concerns, ADHD, academic planning, and career preparation. She has observed firsthand how counseling can support people across life stages and is expanding her practice to offer more one-on-one work with a wider range of age groups.

Clinically she draws on client-centered principles alongside cognitive behavioral techniques, creating a respectful, compassionate environment where clients can explore challenges and build practical skills. For career and academic guidance she uses the RIASEC framework, also known as John Holland’s career inventory model, to help clients clarify interests and plan next steps. Melissa emphasizes self-help as an important part of well-being and aims to support clients as they develop balance, purpose, and more fulfilling daily lives. She looks forward to supporting those ready to begin that process.

Client-Centered and Solution-Focused Online Counseling

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes understanding each person from their own perspective. Melissa listens with empathy, helps clients clarify values and goals, and supports self-directed growth - an approach that can be helpful for issues like self-esteem, relationship concerns, and navigating life transitions.

Solution-Focused Therapy is brief and goal-oriented, concentrating on strengths and practical steps toward change. This method helps clients identify what is already working, set achievable goals, and build concrete strategies for managing stress, improving communication, or tackling specific problems.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Melissa works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts techniques over time so therapy remains relevant and effective for each individual.

Online therapy offers flexible options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, making it easier to fit appointments into busy schedules and to maintain consistent support. For many clients, remote sessions increase accessibility and convenience while allowing therapists and licensed professionals to provide ongoing, goal-focused care.