melanie hite

Areas of focus in this position included assessment of domestic violence offenders and the level of treatment required, as well as leading group therapy for said offenders. Assessments used were IORNS, DVI, and TII. Frequently interacted with and provided documentation to attorneys, probation officers and judges regarding the domestic violence program and assessments, as well as DFS in regard to foster placements and progress. I also worked with a caseload that included family issues (communication, blended family, foster system, parenting), Trauma/Abuse/Neglect (sexual, physical, emotional, mental), relationships, grief and loss, self-harm behaviors, body image issues, emotional eating, marriage and couples counseling, children (play therapy, attachment issues, oppositional defiance, social skills), schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety.

I contracted with several independent businesses including personal training studios, athletic clubs, chiropractic and medical offices, and a major hospital in Kansas City to provide services. Maintained client confidentiality and sensitivity to age and gender related issues during all client interactions. Provided safe, appropriate and effective massage techniques, designing each session based on individual assessment. Imparted knowledge to customers on the importance of breathing exercises, stretching, and proper body mechanics. Taught at Johnson County Community College in the massage program from 2002-2007. Participated in ongoing planning and conferences regarding direction and future of massage therapy program. Held seminars and classes on various topics, including Massage & Touch Therapies for Mental & Emotional Health.

Frequently worked with conservative faith-based population, to whom it was important to have some level of faith integration in the therapeutic environment. Worked in multiple settings, with a range of demographics, and with a variety of mental health problems. Frequently interacted with the court system in relation to foster placements and progress.

I carried a small caseload of counseling clients in addition to focusing on care & maintenance of a private practice. This field placement had a heavy focus on diagnostics, multiculturalism, and ethics. Responsible for psychoeducation through the use of biofeedback equipment to help clients manage anxiety, stress, and ADHD issues. Assisted in updating technology related to biofeedback hardware and software. My supervisor had a focus on DID patients for 40 years, and I was lucky enough to learn much from him. In addition, I gained experience with couples counseling, adolescents, career counseling, and some special populations. I administered and manually scored assessments, such as MBTI, MMPI, Millon, and BSI. I also interpreted the scores and wrote the reports.