GARDENWOOD FOUNDER
Melissa Watson-Clark, LCSW-C
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From the world of numbers to the realm of healing hearts, Melissa's journey began with a career as an accountant. But deep within, she felt the stirring of a different calling. Guided by a heartfelt desire to touch lives and bring healing, she pursued her dream and earned a Master's in Social Work from the prestigious University of Maryland School of Social Work in 2002.
At a non-profit, Melissa donned the role of a supervisor and parent educator, mentoring Family Support Workers in their mission to empower high-risk families. The goal? Helping children achieve their potential and reach crucial developmental milestones. |
While balancing her role as a therapist and her commitments as a Social Worker with Baltimore County and as a Trainer/Technical Assistance Coordinator at the UMB, School of Social Work, Melissa's dedication to the art and science of healing grew stronger. Her qualifications expanded to include a Psychotherapy Certificate and a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Systems Design.
In 2018, Melissa's dream flourished into reality with the establishment of the Gardenwood Counseling Center. Her calling has always been crystal clear: to stand beside those in crisis, to be an anchor, and to help individuals realize their personal goals. Melissa marries conventional therapy with holistic healing. Not only is she a certified herbalist and Reiki practitioner, but she also skillfully integrates energy medicine techniques like EFT/tapping, visualization, meditation, and mindfulness into her sessions. An advocate for the therapeutic power of nature, Melissa often suggests her clients to simply step outdoors and immerse themselves in the soothing embrace of the natural world.
In these challenging times, with the world grappling with a pandemic and the numerous crisis that seem to greet the world daily, Melissa has adapted and transitioned to online sessions, ensuring that distance doesn't stand in the way of healing. Come 2024, she looks forward to welcoming you at a brand new center. Whether it's individual counseling, transformative group sessions, or healing retreats, her approach revolves around fostering a mindset of endless possibilities and holistic well-being.
Life has its ebbs and flows, with moments that can sometimes feel insurmountable. If you, or someone close to you, is navigating the whirlwinds of burnout, sensory overload, or the weight of daily stressors, Melissa is here to extend a hand. Schedule a consultation call. Together, let's embark on a journey to rediscover the joy and meaning in your life.