MELISSA PECUNIA, M.A., LPC-S, EMDR

Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor & Trauma Therapist

Call: 940-294-7061

My specialties:

Trauma & PTSD, Abuse Recovery, Problematic Sexual Behaviors (PSB) in Children and Adolescents, Parenting & Family Issues, Adolescent & Adult Trauma, Women’s Issues

Who I work with:

Children (starting at 9 years old), Adolescents, Adults, Families, and Couples

More about me:

Life can feel overwhelming at times — whether you are carrying the weight of your own story, walking through a family crisis, or trying to help a child who is hurting. When emotions feel heavy, patterns don’t make sense, or the past continues to affect the present, it can be hard to know where to begin. You do not have to navigate that alone.

My own path into counseling was shaped by walking closely with women in our church and seeing how much unresolved pain from abuse and neglect they have carried for years. That experience inspired me to return to school and pursue my master’s degree in counseling so I could more effectively help people heal their deepest wounds.

My Approach

My approach is relational, grounded, and compassionate. I bring a calm presence into the room and believe one of the most important parts of therapy is helping clients feel heard, understood, and hopeful. I tend to listen more than I speak, creating a space where clients feel safe enough to begin real healing.

I am EMDR Certified, Level 2 trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), and trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I draw from these approaches in a way that is tailored to each individual, couple, or family.

Areas of Focus

Family Therapy
I take a family systems approach and often work with multiple family members, when appropriate, to help restore safety, connection, and growth. I enjoy supporting families in crisis as well as those navigating ongoing challenges related to communication, trust, and healing together.

Trauma & Abuse Therapy
I work with adolescents, teens, and adults who are navigating the impact of trauma and abuse, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and grief related to sudden or violent loss. I also have a strong passion for working with children ages 9 and up who are struggling with problematic sexual behaviors (PSB), helping both the child and family move toward healing and stability.

Couples & Parenting
I work with couples who are navigating stress, disconnection, or the impact of past experiences on their relationship. Often, unresolved trauma or patterns from earlier in life can begin to show up in communication, trust, and emotional closeness. Together, we slow those patterns down, build understanding, and create healthier ways of relating to one another.

I also offer premarital counseling and parenting support for couples and families who want to strengthen their relationships and grow in more intentional ways. Whether you are preparing for marriage, working through a difficult season, or wanting to feel more connected as partners and parents, I aim to create a space where both individuals feel heard and supported as you move forward together.

For clients who desire it, I integrate faith into the counseling process in a way that feels natural, respectful, and supportive of healing—bringing in themes of grace, restoration, identity, and hope.

Clinical Supervision
As a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, I provide supervision for LPC-Associates seeking support in their clinical development. I value creating a space that is both encouraging and growth-oriented, where developing clinicians can deepen their clinical skills, process their experiences, and grow in confidence as they care for others.

Background & Experience

For the past 11 years, I have had the privilege of walking alongside children, adolescents, adults, caregivers, and families affected by trauma and abuse. I began my work at a Children’s Advocacy Center while serving as a graduate intern in 2015, and over time grew into leadership roles including supervisor and Assistant Director of Clinical Services.

In addition to counseling clients directly, I have helped lead clinical programs, supervise staff, and provide trauma training to CAC staff, community members, and first responders. I have also supported multidisciplinary teams working together to care for families in crisis.

Throughout these years, I have worked with hundreds of individuals and families ranging from early childhood through adulthood. My experience includes supporting clients impacted by sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, emotional abuse, and grief related to sudden or violent loss. This work has shown me that people are deeply resilient and often want to heal — they simply need a safe relationship and thoughtful guidance to help them begin. I have also seen how deeply parents love their children, and how meaningful it can be when they receive the support they need to move forward as a family.

A Little More About Me

Outside of the counseling room, I have been married to my husband for almost 30 years, and together we have four grown children. I love spending time with my family laughing, cooking, and playing games together. I also enjoy reading, playing piano, and being out in nature — walking our three dogs, boating, and enjoying the sunshine.

If you’re looking for a place where you can feel heard, understood, and supported as you begin to work through what’s been weighing on you, I would be honored to walk alongside you.

“The Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

— Deuteronomy 31:8

Contact Melissa

I am an out-of-network provider, which allows us total clinical freedom and privacy.

I provide monthly Superbills for easy reimbursement.