We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melissa Webb. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melissa below.

Melissa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

My first job as a therapist was at a nonprofit agency serving at-risk youth, and I’ll never forget how it shaped me. Before that, I was a classroom teacher — a job I took because I genuinely wanted to help young people, but I quickly realized that teaching wasn’t my calling. I felt boxed in, unable to connect with students on a deeper level or support their emotional needs in the way I knew I could. So when I transitioned into therapy, it felt like a breath of fresh air — like I was finally in the right place.

I loved working with the youth. Many of them had experienced deep trauma, and therapy gave them the space to explore their feelings, understand their behaviors, and learn how to build healthy relationships. I remember thinking to myself, “I’m actually pretty good at this therapy thing.” That realization gave me the confidence to keep going and lean fully into the work I was called to do.

At the time, my goal was to become a supervisor. I’ve always known I was made for leadership — not just to guide others, but to create environments where people can grow and thrive. After two years, I was promoted to manage a program that supported children in the foster care system. From there, I became the director of an Intensive Outpatient Program for youth and families.

Looking back, that first job was tough — emotionally draining at times — but I’m grateful for every moment. It built my character. I always tell people, “I started from the bottom and earned my stripes.” Today, I’m the CEO of a group practice, and I carry those early lessons with me. That first job wasn’t just the start of my career — it was the foundation of my purpose.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, my name is Melissa Webb. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and Relational Wellness Expert who helps individuals and couples break free from toxic patterns and build healthy, purpose-driven relationships. I’m the founder of Purposeful Counseling and the host of the award-winning podcast, Untoxicify Your Relationship, where I share honest, faith-informed guidance to support lasting relational transformation.

I offer individual therapy, couples coaching, and emotional healing services, blending biblical wisdom with evidence-based mental health strategies. My passion is helping people develop emotionally secure relationships rooted in timeless truth—not driven by cultural trends.

Through one-on-one sessions, workshops, speaking engagements, and soon, a membership platform, I equip people to communicate clearly, rebuild trust, and form deeper, more meaningful connections. What sets Purposeful Counseling apart is that we go beyond traditional therapy—we offer holistic, Christ-centered support that meets people where they are.

What I’m most proud of is how Purposeful Counseling has become a safe space for people—especially those in faith communities—to explore emotional healing and relational growth without shame. I want potential clients and followers to know that this work is personal for me. I’ve walked through my own healing journey, and I bring that lived experience into the compassionate, practical support I offer every day. I’m on a mission to guide people toward healthier relationships—starting with themselves, extending to others, and rooted in a deeper love for God

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One pivotal moment for me was when I decided to leave my previous job to fully commit to launching Purposeful Counseling. It wasn’t an easy choice—leaving a stable position brought uncertainty and stress, especially financially. But I felt God calling me to step out in faith and create a space where faith and mental health could truly come together. That pivot forced me to trust God’s provision more deeply and lean into the vision He placed on my heart. It was challenging, but it opened the door for so many blessings and growth—both personally and professionally—and it reaffirmed that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the most meaningful breakthroughs.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

There was a season in my life when so many things felt out of my control—navigating a difficult breakup, juggling the responsibilities of single motherhood, and preparing to launch my counseling practice all at once. It was overwhelming, and there were moments I felt like giving up. But I kept leaning into my faith, reminding myself that God was my anchor even in the storm. I learned to take things one day at a time, finding strength in small victories and the progress I was making, no matter how slow. That season taught me what resilience really looks like—showing up, trusting the process, and believing that brighter days are ahead even when the path feels uncertain.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://purposeful-counseling.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PurposefulCounselingSTL/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meltheetherapist
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UntoxicifyYourRelationship

Image Credits

Lauren McKay, photographer