Therapeutic Approach

Melissa Wetterlund is a Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. Her goal is to help facilitate the process of emotional and spiritual growth for individuals, couples, and families. Melissa comes from a systems perspective that utilizes a relational approach to assist growth and change

How does change happen?

In all areas of life, seeking change and making meaningful decisions becomes so much easier when we understand the “why” behind it all. This is especially true when it comes to personal growth and healing. Fully understanding the underlying factors that drive our challenges and needs is foundational to making progress in therapy, building healthier relationships, and fostering long-term well-being.

 Whether you are seeking therapy or exploring new ways to approach your personal growth, uncovering the “why” behind your struggles can be transformative. Questions like, “Why do I react the way I do in certain situations?” or “Why do I feel stuck in patterns that don’t serve me?” help illuminate the deeper motivations and experiences that shape our choices and behaviors.

When we uncover these truths, it not only cultivates greater self-awareness but also empowers us to move forward with confidence and clarity.

It’s about creating a roadmap for personal growth that is thoughtful, intentional, and effective.

 I want to support you, wherever you are in your journey, to uncover your “why” and use that understanding to create meaningful change. Together, we can explore both personal and universal truths that will help you grow and heal.

Uncovering the Roots of Our Why: Attachment and the Nervous System

Our “why” is often deeply rooted in our lived experiences. These formative moments shape not only how we see ourselves and others but also how we respond to the world around us. Many of these experiences are tied to two primary influences: the quality of our attachments and the imprints left on our nervous system.

Attachment experiences—those foundational relationships where we sought safety, connection, and understanding—profoundly shape our sense of self and our ability to trust and relate to others. When these early bonds are secure, they provide a strong foundation for resilience and confidence. When they are disrupted or strained, they can leave us with patterns of fear, avoidance, or confusion that impact how we engage with ourselves and those around us.

Similarly, our nervous system holds the echoes of our experiences. It doesn’t just store memories; it houses the sensations, emotions, and reactions tied to moments of stress, joy, connection, or fear.

Whether it’s a sense of calm in safe environments or a heightened alertness in moments of perceived threat, our nervous system acts as a guide, often unconsciously driving our behaviors, choices, and emotional responses.

Understanding the interplay between attachment and the nervous system helps us make sense of the “why” behind so much of what we feel and do. It allows us to see that our reactions aren’t random or flawed but rather adaptive responses to our unique histories. By exploring these roots, we can start to rewrite the narrative, foster healing, and create space for intentional and empowered choices.

When we bring curiosity and compassion to uncovering these connections, we pave the way for meaningful change. Together, we can dive into this exploration to help you better understand your experiences and move forward with clarity and confidence

Melissa’s Specialties

Melissa is passionate about supporting individuals and families through every stage of life. While she works with a wide range of presenting concerns, her areas of expertise include:

Marriage and Family Therapy

Focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening relationships within couples and families by addressing underlying patterns and dynamics.

Play Therapy

A therapeutic approach for children that uses play as a medium to help them express emotions, process experiences, and develop coping skills in a safe, supportive environment.

Parent Education

Provides parents with tools, strategies, and knowledge to foster healthy relationships, navigate challenges, and support their child’s emotional and developmental needs.

Divorce

Supports individuals and families navigating the emotional, relational, and logistical challenges of divorce, helping them process feelings and transition into new family dynamics.

Blended Families

Assists families in navigating the complexities of merging households, fostering positive relationships, and building a strong foundation for the new family unit.

Adoption

Addresses the unique emotional and relational aspects of adoption, including identity, attachment, and transitions, for both adoptees and their families.

Trauma

Helps individuals process and heal from distressing or overwhelming experiences, promoting resilience and emotional well-being.

Somatic Experiencing

A body-centered therapeutic approach that helps individuals release trauma and stress stored in the nervous system, fostering a sense of safety and connection.

Payments and Insurance

When seeking mental health therapy services, you have the flexibility to choose the payment option that works best for you. You can either use your insurance benefits, if applicable, or opt to pay privately for services using cash or an eligible HSA account. If you have questions about either option, I’m here to help you navigate the process and make an informed decision.

Insurance Options

I am in network with all major insurance providers including:

  • BlueCross BlueShield

  • HealthPartners

  • Cigna

  • United Healthcare

  • Optum

  • UMR: A United Healthcare Company

  • Aetna

  • bind

Why choose Private Pay?

By choosing private pay, clients often feel more empowered to prioritize their mental health on their own terms.

There are several reasons why a client might choose not to use their insurance benefits for therapy:

  • Insurance companies typically require a formal mental health diagnosis to cover therapy, which becomes part of your medical record. Some clients prefer to keep their mental health care entirely private and avoid having this information shared.

  • Insurance plans may limit which therapists you can see or the number of sessions covered. Paying privately allows clients to choose their preferred therapist and schedule sessions based on their needs, without restrictions.

  • Insurance companies sometimes require therapists to justify the treatment plan or progress. Paying privately ensures that you and your therapist have full control over the type, frequency, and length of your care.


  • Some clients prefer not to have a diagnosis documented, either to avoid potential stigma or to prevent the diagnosis from impacting future applications for life insurance or other policies.


  • Working outside of insurance can simplify the process by eliminating the need for approvals, reimbursements, or other administrative tasks.


  • If insurance benefits require pre-authorization or there are delays in approval, clients may prefer to begin therapy without waiting for the process to be completed.


Forms & Paperwork