Biography
Melissa Zizis is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist. She completed her education at the University of Northern Iowa with an emphasis in trauma-informed care, family services, dance and Child Life. Melissa has been providing therapy services to children (4+), adolescents, families, and young adults (under the age of 25) for the past nine years. Younger children are accepted on a case-by-case basis. She has additional experience in the elementary school setting and healthcare settings with pediatric chronic illness. Melissa works from a client centered approach and utilizes her education, eclectic trainings, past experiences and passion for helping children and their families to develop treatment plans and goals. Melissa utilizes Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), expressive arts, family therapy, sand tray therapy and Solution Focused techniques. She is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) trained. Melissa is always eager to learn and expand her therapeutic knowledge.
Therapist Statement
I believe that each client is beautifully unique and wonderfully made and has strengths despite their adverse experiences and current challenges. I believe that children use their behaviors to communicate underlying needs and that the stigma of mental health can be broken down. My desire for each client is to work towards healing, find ways to cope, engage in meaningful relationships with others, develop self-love and find hope through all seasons of life. I practice with high value on the therapeutic relationship and not only respect, but honor, what each client brings into their session.
When I am not in the office, I enjoy cooking, crafting, reading, practicing yoga and spending time with family or friends. I am likely to be found cheering on my husband’s football team, walking with my dog Charlie, or playing with my daughter.
Melissa’s areas of interest include:
- Anxiety
- Behavior concerns
- Chronic illness and medical trauma
- Depression
- Emotional regulation
- EMDR
- Family issues and relationships
- Grief and loss
- Parent consults
- Play therapy
- School-based concerns
- Trauma
Memberships and Certifications
- Association for Play Therapy
Specialties
Children and adolescents, individuals, families, anxiety, trauma, EMDR and play therapy
Education
Master of Social Work from University of Northern Iowa; Bachelor of Arts in Family Services with an emphasis in dance and Child Life from University of Northern Iowa