We recently connected with Melissa King and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Melissa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)?

Back in 2007, I completed a Practicum/Internship at Mt Paran North Church Counseling Center.
I attended Georgia State University for Masters in Professional Counseling from 2005-2007. I was excited to do my internship at a Christian Counseling center site where I could learn to apply the clinical skills and techniques I learned and integrate Christian faith.
I worked with a group of 10-12 therapists at this site. I was under the supervision of Dr. Marcy Hardy, who had a Ph.D in marriage and family therapy. The experience was a tremendous year of growth for me, personally and professionally. I had the opportunity to learn and work with other therapists who challenged me, taught me and inspired me. I truly fell in love with doing the work of therapy. As well as learning to integrate issues of Christian faith into the clinical work of therapy. One area that really challenged me and taught me so much was sitting in on an anger management group for court ordered individuals. I learned the importance of assuming 100% responsibility for our actions and how to apply the 12 steps in our everyday lives.
I am forever grateful for my time there as an intern. It marked me and regularly influences how I approach therapy today.

Melissa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For the last 14 years I have worked in private practice in the metro Atlanta area. I have worked in offices in Alpharetta, Kennesaw, Marietta and currently Woodstock.
I started off, as most do, slowly building my client base and working for group practices. I am humbled to say that I went off on my own in July 2024. It was a very difficult decision and a leap of faith for me, as I loved the practice I was a part of.
In my practice, Melissa King Counseling, I currently see children, adolescents and adult women who struggle with anxiety, OCD, grief, life transitions and adjustment. I am deeply passionate about my clients and the work I do. In addition, I am credentialed to provide supervision for therapists pursing a Registered Play Therapy certificate and those pursuing a license in the state of Georgia for Professional Counseling.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

As hard as being a mental health therapist is at time, if I had to do it over again, I would choose the same profession. It is something that I feel best fits with the way God created and wired my brain. Even as a child, I was naturally empathic and offered peace to chaotic situations.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

What has been most helpful to me is consultation with peers in my field. And also learning from those in the field that are further along than me. I will always value both of these things as long as I practice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.melissakingcounseling.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissakingcounselor?igsh=d2ZxNGNidHR2YWd5&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564909687115&mibextid=kFxxJD
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-king-ba7b409