Melanie Bliss, Ph.D.

I strive to provide a warm, nonjudgmental, collaborative experience for my clients while providing cutting-edge treatment for your specific concerns. One of my goals is to help people discover and maximize their strengths while healing from emotional pain, overcoming suffering, and achieving a more satisfactory life. I aim to make therapy feel safe and comfortable for all my clients, and I am open to feedback as I strive to make therapy beneficial for you.

I offer both in-person and virtual telehealth services. I am a member of PSYPACT and am able to see clients via telehealth in any state that participates in this "E-passport" program.  I will talk with you regarding the most appropriate choice based on your needs. 

In addition, I am an avid volunteer, currently serving as the Chair of the board of the Central Outreach and Advocacy Center, a nonprofit that provides critical services to people experiencing homelessness. I was  honored to receive the 2020 Berry College Alumni Award for Distinguished Service.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and have been in private practice since 2006. I received my doctorate in 2004 from Georgia State University where I studied both clinical and community psychology. I completed my predoctoral internship at the Medical College of Georgia and Veterans Affairs Hospital in Augusta, where I specialized in health psychology and women's issues. I completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Emory University College of Medicine where I currently serve as an adjunct faculty member.  

Professionally, I also work outside the therapy room. I have served as a consultant for the Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault (GNESA) and conducted workshops for law enforcement personnel on responding to sexual assault crimes.  I  provide forensic services and consultation, including expert testimony. I enjoy writing, consulting, public speaking, and conducting workshops on topics such as coping with anxiety and trauma, violence, sexual assault/harassment, PTSD, and mindfulness. 

I see teenagers (13 and up) and adults for individual therapy and family therapy when applicable. I work with individuals who experience many different personal and life challenges, but I specialize in the following areas: 

• Trauma and stressful life experiences - past or current
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - acute, chronic, and complex
• Anxiety
• Self-harming behaviors
• Stressful life transitions, such as parenthood or aging parents

• Of note, I also provide professional mentoring, supervision, and consultation to other therapists or those seeking to start a practice. Please contact me for more information about this service.

I use a multi-dimensional approach to therapy and integrate theoretical orientations depending on my clients’ needs. Determining the best treatment is a collaborative effort.  I work from an underlying humanistic and interpersonal perspective, relying heavily on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), internal family systems (IFS), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).  I help my clients understand how their minds and bodies are connected from a neurological perspective, which is particularly helpful for people experiencing anxiety or a post-trauma response. I use multiple interventions for trauma processing, including EMDR, exposure therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and integrated approaches. I determine with my clients which approach is likely to be most comfortable and effective for them.   

For those of you struggling with overwhelming emotions, I can help you be more effective in relationships, regulate your mood, and tolerate distress. Many of my clients find it freeing to learn to accept themselves and their histories while also working toward change. Some clients specifically request that we focus on building effective coping skills, so therapy is often more practical and adaptive to everyday life. I incorporate principles of mindfulness into all of my therapy work and regularly engage my clients in learning and practicing these principles. Lastly, I seek to treat the "whole person" with mindful attention to health and wellness through food, movement, and other aspects of every day life that often become overlooked or hard to manage when we are stressed or overwhelmed.