Melissa Cooke, LMSW
“Everything can be achieved through small steps –
one step at a time: overcoming fears, pushing through hard times, fulfilling dreams. Anything you wish to be different from the way it is - is possible.”
“You deserve a space where your feelings are met with compassion, not judgment.”
Expertise:
I help high achievers who are used to holding everything together find relief from anxiety and move through life changes with more ease, self‑trust, and support. You are good enough and strong enough to overcome whatever is holding you back!
I help couples! You may just want to "check in" or gain skills to navigate life changes for one or both of you. Or you may need support in intimacy. Some are in crisis and need support to rebuild trust, repair communication, and find a path forward—whether that means healing together or gaining clarity about what comes next. I work with you to support what you need.
I specialize in supporting teens who are navigating the challenges of adolescence while coping with anxiety, trauma, or complex family dynamics. My work focuses on helping young people understand their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthier ways to manage stress. I offer a compassionate, steady space where teens can explore their experiences, strengthen their sense of self, and find more grounded ways of relating within their families and their world.
Experience:
I am a licensed master level social worker with a heart for helping individuals and families feel truly seen, heard, and supported. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Wichita State University and my Master’s in Social Work from Newman University, graduating in 2003.
I began my career working with child abuse victims, where I developed a deep understanding of trauma and the importance of creating a safe, trusting environment for healing. I later expanded my experience in an alternative high school setting, supporting adolescents through emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. I have also worked in a hospital setting providing medical social work, helping individuals and families navigate complex health-related situations.
I continued my social work career at the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County, where I dedicated 15 years of service. As one of the organization’s first employees, I was instrumental in founding the child and family advocacy program. During my time there, I worked closely with a multidisciplinary team including the Department for Children and Families (DCF), law enforcement, foster care contractors, the District Attorney’s Office, and forensic nursing professionals to support children and families through complex and sensitive situations.
Through this work, I developed a strong understanding of the unique challenges faced by both families and first responders. I have experience supporting law enforcement and other frontline professionals as they navigate the stress and emotional impact of repeated exposure to traumatic and violent situations.
These experiences have shaped my compassionate, trauma-informed approach to care. I later followed my passion to open my own private practice, where I am dedicated to walking alongside my clients through life’s challenges—whether that includes trauma, anxiety, relationship struggles, life transitions, or simply feeling out of alignment.
I also have extensive experience working with blended families, couples navigating challenges such as infidelity and parenting stress, and children and teens who have experienced abuse. My approach is rooted in compassion, safety, and trust, helping each client feel supported as they work through difficult experiences and move toward healing and stability.
I strive to create a welcoming space where clients feel comfortable being themselves without judgment. I believe that healing begins with feeling heard and understood, and I am committed to helping each person build resilience, confidence, and a stronger sense of self as they move forward.