Melanie Dyer, LPC-S
(She/her)
Preferred Name: Melanie
About Me
I provide individual, virtual counseling sessions that are 55 minutes in length. I work best with women who’ve spent most of their lives taking care of everyone else and are now thinking, “Wait… what about me?” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And if you’re wondering, it’s not selfish to want something more for yourself. My clients are often women 25-50 who are navigating what I call the “identity development meets emotional exhaustion” phase of life. They're high-achieving, high-functioning, and often experiencing high levels of anxiety. Many have perfectionist tendencies, people-pleasing habits, and a deep sense that something’s missing—but they’ve been too busy taking care of everyone else to figure out what. I work especially well with those untangling the effects of developmental trauma like emotional neglect or parentification—the kind of stuff that doesn’t always look like “trauma,” but quietly shapes everything. I use EMDR and other evidence-based approaches to help you get unstuck and start living in a way that actually works for you. Therapy with me is equal parts relational, gently challenging, and compassionate. I believe healing doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Sometimes it looks like unlearning old roles, redefining your identity, and finally asking yourself what you want—without apologizing for the answer. If you're ready to stop being the emotional concierge for everyone in your life and start figuring out who you are, I’d be honored to walk with you. On an average day you might find me doing any or all of the following: going on a walk at Mary Moore Searight park, binging one of the several Bravo shows I love (legend has it I was one of the last people to score a photo at Schwartz & Sandy’s, IYKYK), taking a dip at the YMCA, cooking a delicious meal for friends from one of my many cookbooks (just something about a cookbook), heading to the Alamo Drafthouse to watch a movie with my husband, or frantically finishing off the book club book of the month. I’m a fan of good food, good people, and good experiences.
Education & Experience
MA in School Counseling, Seton Hall University 10 years of work in the mental health field including positions at a domestic violence shelter, a child advocacy center, a group practice, and now private practice.
Professional & Volunteer Affiliations
Volunteer with Atheists Helping the Homeless, previously volunteered with Austin Public Library as an ESL teacher, formerly on the board of New Leader's Council in Austin.
Specialty Area
- Abuse/Neglect
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Family Issues
- Marriage/Relationship Issues
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Stress Management
Population Served
- Adults
- BIPOC
- LGBTQ+
Language
- English
Insurance
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealth
