Melanie Bouchard · Licensed Psychologist Master
Choosing the right therapist for you.
I’m Melanie, and, quite simply, I love what I do.
Therapy works best as a partnership. You bring the knowledge of your own life, relationships, experiences, and values. I bring perspective, curiosity, and clinical experience to help us make sense of what has been feeling hard.
I’m not a therapist who will simply sit back and nod. I’ll listen carefully, ask questions, share what I’m noticing, and offer practical tools when they’re useful.
My hope is that therapy feels like a place where you can understand yourself more clearly, feel less alone in what you’re carrying, and begin finding a way forward that actually fits your life.
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I draw from the following modalities in my work:
Psychodynamic Approach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Executive Functioning Skills Coaching
Relational Approach
Trauma Informed Practices
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State of Vermont Licensed Psychologist-Master
# 047.0133692
NPI: 1164180550
Master of Arts: Clinical Psychology
St Michael’s College
Colchester, VT 2008
Bachelor of Science: Psychology
Bridgewater State College
Bridgewater, MA 2003
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Trainings I’ve found to be influential:
ADHD & Executive Functioning: Dr Peg Dawson
Training in Neurosequential Model for Development and Trauma Treatment: Dr. Bruce Perry
Attachment Self Regulation & Competency (ARC): Dr. Margaret Blaustein
Reflective Supervision Practices: Dave Melnick
Trauma Informed Systems & Schools: Dave Melnick
Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) Certification
U Matter Suicide Prevention
Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management
Seven Challenges (Substance Use Treatment): Mike Panico
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I’ve had the privilege to develop and deliver the following trainings:
Understanding Neurodivergence
Managing Anxiety in Schools
Understanding Anxiety in Kids
Trauma Informed Treatment: Best Practices
Reflective Practice in Schools
Suicide Awareness & Prevention
10 week training: Becoming a Therapeutic Foster Parent
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
— Carl Rogers
Therapy that feels supportive, practical and human.
Healing isn’t linear.
Things can feel slow at first as we get to know each other or feel like they backslide sometimes. Give yourself some grace (and time).
Name it to tame it.
What can I say, trite but true. When we can identify what’s coming up for you - it makes all the difference.
Therapy doesn’t always feel good.
Although sharing your challenges with someone can feel like a huge relief, there is a certain degree of change we expect from therapy and change doesn’t have a reputation for being easy.
Laughter is healing.
A good laugh can sometimes feel better than a good cry and, at times, release tension we’re holding when talking about the really, really hard things.
Understanding comes before changing.
We can make sense of what’s happening, build on what’s already working, and find ways forward that fit who you are.
Therapy is about you.
Maybe this sounds obvious but I firmly believe therapy should be centered on you. If we are not talking about the things that matter the most to you, or it feels like the sessions aren’t going the way you’d like - I want to know. This is your time.
My Therapeutic Philosophy
Evidence-based.
Person-centered.
Tailored to you.
I strive to provide care that is both practical and compassionate.
Therapy is not one sized fit all. Our work is shaped around your needs, goals and values.
A little about me…
For more than 19 years, I have supported clients through difficult seasons, major transitions, relationship challenges, and times when life simply feels like too much.
I believe therapy can be both deeply supportive and purposeful. You deserve a place where you feel heard and understood - and you should also feel that our work is helping you gain insight, build useful skills, and create movement toward the life you want.
My approach is warm, genuine, collaborative, and down-to-earth. I explain concepts in ways that feels understandable and relevant, offer practical guidance, and create space for difficult conversations without judgment.
When I am not in the office- I’m filling my moments with all of my favorite activities. I love dancing and find it incredibly healing. I enjoy all of the characters I meet and places I visit through books and audiobooks. I haven’t met a houseplant I haven’t tried to propagate. I have a running list of shows and movies to catch up on…but I rarely catch up. Summer isn’t complete without volleyball. I spend a lot of time convincing my family to play board games with me. I also love being in and on the water - ocean, lake, beach and of course, snow.
