ECC’s Clinical Team

Hey you, the fellow human reading this on the other side of the screen. I know starting
therapy can feel awkward, uncomfortable, or even a little intimidating. My goal is to create
a space where children, teens, and young adults can show up exactly as they are, whether that means talkative, quiet, overwhelmed, emotional, confused, excited, or unsure where to begin. I believe young people deserve to feel genuinely heard and understood, not minimized because of their age. Just because you’re young doesn’t mean what you’re experiencing isn’t real. I want the unheard to feel heard, the unseen to feel seen, and the hard things to feel a little less heavy to carry alone.

As a first-generation Mexican American, I understand what it feels like to navigate worlds
that don’t always feel built for you. Many of the lessons I learned growing up – resilience,
code-switching, navigating complex systems, advocating for myself, and working twice as
hard for opportunities, weren’t choices, they were survival. Learning how to stay above
water within systems that often feel overwhelming has deeply shaped the way I connect
with others today. These experiences inform not only who I am, but how I sit with
individuals and families in their own moments of complexity and transitions.

As a therapist, yes, I use big words and clinical tools, but more than anything, I lead and
speak from the heart. Life doesn’t wait for us to feel ready - part of therapy is learning
how to meet yourself in the middle of it.

“Children are not things to be molded, but are people to be unfolded.” – Jess Lair

Seeking support for your child can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I truly believe in the idea that “it takes a village,” and my goal is to be a supportive, steady part of that village for both you and your child.

Every child is experiencing life’s challenges for the first time, and I approach counseling with patience, curiosity, and care. I focus on meeting children at their developmental level, honoring who they already are while supporting them as they grow. Rather than trying to “fix” or shape children into something else, I believe in helping them unfold—discovering their emotions, strengths, and ways of understanding the world at their own pace.

My work is grounded in the belief that how children make meaning of their experiences shapes how they move through life. In sessions, I help children explore their emotions, understand how those emotions connect to behaviors, and recognize their impact on themselves and others in a developmentally appropriate way.

Because children often don’t have the words to fully express what they are feeling, I use a combination of play therapy, art-based interventions, and talk therapy. These approaches create multiple pathways for expression, allowing children to communicate in the ways that feel most natural to them. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where children feel seen, understood, and accepted—while also partnering

I believe therapy can be a space where healing and laughter coexist. My approach is rooted in narrative, person-centered, mindfulness-based, and existential practices, grounded in a deep respect for each person’s story, context, and lived experience. I work from an anti-carceral lens, meaning I don’t view people as problems to fix, but as whole humans navigating complex systems and experiences.

I value slowing down, creating space for reflection, and helping clients reconnect with themselves, their values, and a sense of meaning and possibility. I bring warmth, curiosity, and humor into the work, aiming to create a space that feels collaborative, human, and supportive of authentic, sustainable change.

On the outside, you may be holding it all together. But inside, it can feel overwhelming, exhausting, or just too much to carry alone. You don’t have to keep doing it by yourself.

You might be dealing with stress, trauma, emotional ups and downs, or relationship challenges. Maybe you feel stuck, burned out, or unsure where to start. Together, we’ll begin to make sense of what you’re going through and move forward in a way that feels manageable and meaningful.

My approach is client-centered and trauma-informed, grounded in empathy, curiosity, and collaboration. I believe that emotional distress is a meaningful response to life experiences rather than something to be “fixed.” I aim to meet you where you are and support you in building insight, emotional awareness, and lasting change.

I am bilingual in Mandarin and English and bring a cross-cultural perspective shaped by my background in China. During my undergraduate studies, I spent time in Northern Europe on exchange, and in recent years, I have lived and traveled across different parts of Europe. These experiences allow me to approach each person’s story with cultural humility and an appreciation for the complexity of human experience.

My style is warm, direct, and real. I value honest conversations and creating a space where you don’t have to pretend everything is okay.

If this resonates with you, I’d be honored to support you in your journey.

I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist dedicated to helping people, just like you. I utilize integrative techniques and tools to help you connect with your inner thoughts and intuition, enabling you to lead a happier and more thoughtful life. I create a safe and empathetic space where we can openly discuss anything. I am here to be a guide. I love helping people learn more about themselves and how to enjoy their lives more. I enjoy watching people learn how to advocate for themselves.

I’m glad you are here and looking for a safe place to achieve your goals. No matter what you are feeling, I want you to know there is hope. We will dive into your goals for therapy, and I will ensure that you continue to have a space that is authentic and safe for you as you explore your goals and heal.

Many of my clients have experienced past hurt or trauma that still shows up in how they see themselves or relate to others. Together, we’ll create a space where you can begin to heal those old wounds while learning new ways to manage anxiety, quiet your inner critic, and reconnect with your sense of self-worth.

 If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, stuck, or unsure of yourself lately, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to keep trying to figure it out on your own. I work with people who are ready to build their confidence, strengthen their boundaries, and start feeling more grounded in who they are.

Schedule a 10-Minute Consultation Call

LMHC, ATR-BC, LCAT

Through compassionate and individualized care, I strive to create a space where clients can gently break free from rigid rules and long-held patterns of thinking and behavior. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities—including CBT, DBT, EFT, and more—while integrating creative art expression to support clients in becoming their most authentic selves. While working with clients has been and continues to be a focus for me, I am also passionate about lending my eight years of clinical experience to supporting new clinicians at ECC as they develop their own style and skills. 

In my role as a clinical supervisor, I use my knowledge and experience to help clinicians grow in confidence, deepen their clinical skills, and to provide the highest level of care to their clients. My supervisory approach focuses on building their clinical intuition, expanding professional knowledge, and translating this into directive focused interventions with clients by applying theory, mindfulness, and creativity within the therapeutic space. 

My background in both psychotherapy and creative arts therapies offers a unique and integrative lens. This blended approach allows both clinicians and clients to explore meaningful, sometimes unconventional, pathways toward healing, growth, and connection.

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I’m so glad you’re here. I believe that many of the struggles we carry are not failures but survival strategies: ways we learned to protect ourselves when connection felt too painful or unsafe.

In our work together, we slowly reconnect with the parts of you that had to go quiet. Through a steady, attuned, relational approach, I offer a space where your emotions can be held rather than managed alone, and where your story can unfold without judgment or urgency.

I am especially passionate about working with eating disorders, body image distress, trauma, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and relationship issues. 

Together we can dissect and challenge the narratives that pathologize bodies and disconnect us from ourselves, particularly for those whose identities have been marginalized or ignored in traditional clinical spaces. My practice is rooted in a trauma-informed, body-inclusive framework that honors each individual’s lived experience and celebrates the diversity of all bodies, identities, and expressions. 

My hope is that therapy becomes a place of gentle return; a place where you learn to meet yourself with compassion, reclaim trust in your body and self, and feel more whole, connected, and alive.

Schedule a 10-Minute Consultation Call

As an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I view supervision as a deeply collaborative and relational process. My goal is to create a supportive, reflective, and empowering environment where clinicians can grow in confidence, clinical skill, and self-awareness. Supervision about developing competency and equally important ~ cultivating authenticity, curiosity, and a grounded professional identity.

I approach supervision through a systemic lens, understanding that the supervisory relationship itself mirrors many of the same dynamics that occur in therapy. I strive to build a genuine connection with each supervisee ~ one that allows for openness, trust, and mutual respect. I see our work together as a partnership where curiosity, humor, and compassion are welcome. Supervision is a space to explore not only clinical work but also the relational patterns that shape how we show up as therapists.

I tailor my supervision to meet each clinician where they are in their professional journey. Early-career therapists may benefit from more structure, modeling, and guidance, while advanced associates often need space for deeper reflection and autonomy. My goal is to provide both support and challenge ~ to help supervisees grow without feeling overwhelmed. Together, we set goals that evolve as confidence and competence deepen.

My name is Melissa Polanco, and I’m so glad you’ve made it here. Taking the step to seek support takes tremendous courage, it shows that you’ve begun to prioritize your well being, and that’s something to truly be proud of.

 Over the years, I’ve developed a strong passion for working with adolescents and young adults (ages 10-25), helping them navigate life’s transitions and challenges. Through both my personal experiences and professional growth, I’ve witnessed how transformative it can be to have compassionate support and guidance, especially when building resilience and the ability to bounce back from adversity.

I’m also certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and enjoy using this approach to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and strengthen their sense of self-efficacy.

Schedule a 10-Minute Consultation Call

Life can bring challenges that leave us feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. Whether you’re coping with stress, grief, or major changes, or simply feeling weighed down by daily struggles, it can help to have a safe space to process what you’re going through. Together, we can explore new perspectives, build healthy coping skills, and find ways to create more balance and peace in your life.

I work with individuals, couples, and families across all stages of life. Some of the concerns I often support include anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, grief, and life transitions. My approach is person-centered and trauma-informed. I focus on your unique needs, honor your story, and work with you to support healing and growth.

My goal is to offer care that fits your life and offer flexible scheduling. Please feel free to reach out with any questions—I’d be glad to connect and honored to support you. Together, we can create a safe space to explore your needs, build resilience, and move toward meaningful change.

Schedule a 10-Minute Consultation Call

I believe people grow in the context of their relationships, communities, and culture. In therapy, I work collaboratively and at your pace, creating a space that is respectful, curious, and nonjudgmental. My style is warm and grounded: we clarify what matters to you, build practical skills, and explore patterns that keep you stuck so you can move toward the life you want.

I have over 3 years of clinical experience working in various levels of care (IOP/PHP), as well as residential and inpatient. I am thoroughly experienced in deescalation, validation, and fascilitating therapeutic interventions with a variety of acuity levels.

My approach blends evidence-based tools with a systems and existential lens. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness practices to help with immediate concerns like anxiety, mood, and stress. I utilize existential and humanistic principles, treating clients as the experts in their own lives and emphasizing meaning-making. Additionally, I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy philosophies that focus on effective coping skills and building a life worth living from the client’s perspective. Sessions are active and tailored: we set clear goals, practice concrete strategies, and check in regularly about what is and is not working.

I especially enjoy working with students, young adults, and adults navigating life transitions, identity development, and working on interpersonal communication skills. I welcome LGBTQ+ clients and clients from

Therapy is a space to explore, create, and grow- and I’m here to walk alongside you in that process. I’m Anjali, a Licensed Associate Therapist and practicing Art Therapist. I’m passionate about creating a warm, supportive environment where clients can express themselves freely and begin to make sense of their inner experiences. I specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals, children, and adolescents, as well as those navigating anxiety and social challenges. I understand that beginning therapy can feel intimidating, and my goal is to make the process feel approachable, engaging, and grounded in compassion.

I believe in the transformative power of art as a means of self-expression, healing, and personal growth. In my practice, I integrate art therapy with DBT-informed techniques to help clients develop skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. For children, art offers another mode of communication by providing a playful yet profound way to process emotions, build confidence, and strengthen coping skills. 

Not an artist? That’s completely okay. Art therapy provides a gentle, imaginative way to explore emotions beyond words that is not based on artistic skill. My role in the therapy space is to help guide clients through creativity and reflection, so they can process challenges and discover new ways of understanding themselves. If this approach resonates with you, I invite you to explore how art can become part of your healing journey. Whether you are seeking

I believe in a collaborative therapeutic process that prioritizes creating an inclusive and nonjudgmental space rooted in empathy, vulnerability, curiosity, and trust. My experience includes working with individuals and families who have experienced trauma, challenging life transitions, anxiety, and depression. I work with children 6 and older, adolescents, adults, and families. I am committed to working with you to find the best approach to your unique needs and goals to help you navigate life’s challenges authentically and encourage you to find sustainable change.

I offer an integrative, systemic, trauma-informed approach to therapy, focusing on honoring your individual experiences. We may discuss everyday stressors or delve into how past experiences have influenced you. My goal is to support you in using your strengths to live authentically and improve your relationships.

Finding a therapist who is the best “fit” can sometimes be an overwhelming and daunting process. Regardless of your reasons for being here, I’m so glad you are exploring getting support. If you have any questions or would like to explore if I am an appropriate fit for you, please reach out via email.

Schedule a 10-Minute Consultation Call

Reaching out for support is an act of honoring your own needs, and I honor the intention and courage it takes to begin this process. I strive to meet every individual with warmth, respect, and a genuine appreciation for the step they are taking toward their own well-being.

My philosophy of care is grounded in connection, growth, community, and authenticity. These values inform the way I build therapeutic relationships and guide my work with individuals across the lifespan. As a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed counselor, I aim to create a space where each person feels understood, supported, and empowered in their identity. 

My clinical approach is integrative and informed by ACT, CBT, DBT, ERP, narrative, existential, and play-based approaches allowing me to tailor care to the unique needs of each individual. 

I am especially dedicated to helping individuals deepen their relationship with themselves, strengthen their connection with others, navigate the complexities of grief and loss, and develop skills for regulating emotion, tolerating distress, managing mood, and enhancing interpersonal effectiveness. In every therapeutic relationship, I work to ensure that my therapeutic approach remains flexible, evidence-based, and grounded in the cultural and personal context of each individual I work with.

Thank you for inviting me to be part of your healing and growth. I view therapy as a collaborative and integrative process—one in which we work together to identify your goals, align with your values, build on your

You hold it together on the outside. But inside? You’re tired of pretending “everything’s fine.”

It’s not fine. Anxiety, sadness, old hurts- it all piles up. And white-knuckling through it isn’t cutting it anymore.

I get it. And I’ve got you.

I work with kids, teens, and adults who are overwhelmed, stuck, and just done feeling this way. Panic attacks that hit at school, low moods that you can’t shake off, relationships that feel like an inescapable loop- I see it all.

And no, therapy with me isn’t sitting in awkward silence while I nod at you. We’ll talk real talk. We’ll get honest about what’s hard and start building tools to help you find your footing again.

My style? Direct, compassionate, and never fake.

I use CBT (to quiet the harsh inner critic), ACT (to help you stop avoiding your life and start living it), mindfulness (because your nervous system deserves a break), and creative/ play-based approaches for kids and teens (so therapy isn’t torture).

This space is for you- whether you’re 8 or 80, single or partnered, falling apart or just ready for something different.

You don’t have to keep pushing through on empty. Therapy can be where you finally exhale. 

So let’s be real: you reached out for a reason. You’re ready. Let’s get started.

Education and Licensure

• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Northwest University (in progress, expected

I am here to meet you exactly as you are, wherever life finds you and whatever struggles you may be facing. My approach to therapy is person-centered, multicultural, and depth-oriented while remaining solution-focused. I bring an open-minded, caring, and culturally sensitive perspective to our sessions. I deeply value understanding your unique background and collaborating closely with you on your path toward healing and growth.

I work with individuals and couples, supporting clients across the lifespan. While I’m a traditional talk therapist at heart, you may also find me incorporating sandtray and other creative modalities, especially when working with younger clients. I’m bilingual and have lived in Europe, Asia, and the United States, with several years of experience in academia. These parts of my life, along with my formal training, shape my practice and help me approach the human experience as nuanced and multifaceted.

In our sessions, you can expect genuine, meaningful dialogue in a space that feels safe, supportive, and unrushed. My goal is to offer compassionate listening, thoughtful reflection, and gentle guidance, empowering you to take ownership of your story and experiences. I believe in small steps rather than perfection. Together, we’ll create an atmosphere of acceptance, authenticity, and trust, where your voice is truly heard.

Education

• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Northwest University,

I would like to begin by saying that asking for help can feel frightening, especially in a society that often stigmatizes needing support. I deeply respect the courage it takes to open up about painful parts of your life and embrace the desire to grow and heal. Depression, grief, anxiety, and other struggles are powerful forces, and seeking help for them is an admirable act of strength. By sharing my approach and frame of practice, I hope to ease some of the worry that can come with beginning your therapy journey.

My work focuses on relationships and the stories that shape us. The messages we absorb often influence our beliefs and identity in unseen ways. By exploring these influences, I help clients deepen self-understanding, build agency, and open space for new perspectives, meaningful growth, and lasting change.

My goal is to use empathic listening and thoughtful questions to create a collaborative space where you can safely process life’s challenges. By modeling a healthy therapeutic relationship, I hope to help you strengthen your relationship with yourself and carry compassion and authenticity into your connections with others.

Schedule a 10-Minute Consultation Call

Do you wake up already feeling behind, spending the day trying to catch up only to end it drained and discouraged? Life may have once felt manageable, but now everything has piled up and you don’t know where to begin. It’s normal to feel worried or even ashamed when you’re struggling, but you don’t have to carry it alone. Together, we’ll tackle what feels overwhelming and find changes that fit your life.

My role is to help guide you toward your whole, authentic self. I draw on self-compassion practices to heal the parts of you that feel unlovable or unacceptable, and I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you recognize where you are and move toward the changes you want. Our work will be grounded in acceptance, curiosity, and steady progress.

Clients often tell me they feel comfortable, safe, and unjudged. I bring warmth, humor, and even a few nerdy anecdotes into therapy because I believe healing can be both meaningful and human. I am passionate about this work and consider it a privilege to walk alongside each client as they grow, heal, and step into a more authentic version of themselves.

Schedule a 10-Minute Consultation Call