Melissa McDonald, MSW, LGSW

Finding the Right Support Matters

Starting therapy is a courageous step—and not always an easy one. Maybe you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck in patterns that don’t reflect who you are or who you want to be. You might be navigating anxiety, living with chronic pain, or trying to better understand how your brain works in a world that wasn’t designed for it.

Whatever brings you here, I want you to know that you're not alone—and things don’t have to stay this way. I’m Melissa McDonald, a Licensed Graduate Social Worker based in Blaine, and I help adults create space for self-understanding, growth, and meaningful change. If you’ve been looking for a space that honors who you are and what you need, you’re in the right place.

Why Work With Me

I work with adults navigating a wide range of challenges—from the complexities of ADHD and autism to the emotional toll of anxiety, chronic illness, or major life transitions. Many of my clients come to me feeling frustrated, burned out, or like they’re constantly being asked to fit into roles that don’t quite fit them. Together, we shift the focus from what’s “wrong” to what’s possible.

I believe therapy should be a collaborative space where you feel comfortable being real, where your strengths are recognized, and where your goals shape the direction we take. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, I help you explore what works best for you. My clients often tell me they appreciate my upfront style, my transparency, and the way I center our work around their values and priorities.

My Approach to Therapy

When we work together, you don’t need to come with a perfect script or polished words. I encourage what I call “rough draft language”—a space where you can speak freely, without the pressure to filter or explain everything perfectly. Each session is shaped by whatever feels most present for you that day, whether it’s exploring difficult emotions, problem-solving a real-life issue, or just having someone truly listen.

I draw from a range of approaches—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused techniques. These aren’t just tools I use; they’re flexible strategies we explore together to help you better understand your thoughts, build coping skills, and move toward what matters most to you.

At the heart of my approach is respect for your autonomy. Therapy isn’t about fitting into someone else’s idea of what healing should look like—it’s about finding what works for you, on your terms.

Addressing Common Concerns

It’s completely normal to feel unsure about starting therapy. You might wonder if you’ll be understood, if your concerns are “valid enough,” or if this will even help. These feelings are welcome here—and so are you.

Some of the concerns I help clients work through include:

• ADHD and autism in adulthood

• Anxiety, depression, and emotional overwhelm

• Chronic pain or ongoing health conditions

• Life transitions, burnout, or identity changes

• Feeling pressure to meet expectations that don’t fit

• Building confidence in self-advocacy and boundary setting

• Feeling unseen, unheard, or disconnected

If you’ve had past experiences where you didn’t feel heard or supported, I want to help change that. My role isn’t to tell you what to do—it’s to work alongside you as we figure out what support looks like for you.

A Bit More About Me

Outside of therapy, I’m someone who finds joy in the small, unexpected things. I love collecting and building LEGO sets—it’s one of my favorite ways to unwind and be creative. I also have a soft spot for animals, enjoy diving into random trivia, and believe that even the simplest moments can hold something meaningful.

Let’s Work Together

I offer individual therapy for adults at Omni Mental Health in Blaine. If you're ready for support that respects who you are and what you need, I’m here to help. Reach out when you’re ready—we’ll move forward together.