Melissa DeFilippi, LICSW

How I Work ________________________________________ My counseling style is warm, interactive, and grounded in radical acceptance — meeting you where you are without judgment while supporting growth and change. I have been a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) for over 25 years. Over that time, I have learned to thoughtfully tailor therapy using evidence-based tools to fit each individual. My therapeutic stance is deeply client-centered, recognizing you as the expert on your own life. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Somatic Therapy Foundations Practitioner, my work is trauma-informed. Our work together is guided by safety, choice, collaboration, trust, and empowerment to recognize the impact of trauma while creating an environment that supports healing and recovery. Therapy Tailored to You ________________________________________ Rather than applying one model rigidly, therapy is tailored to fit you — your nervous system, your values, and your lived experience. While I draw from a variety of evidence-based modalities (listed in the Services section), my guiding philosophy remains person-centered: therapy is shaped by your goals, your pace, and the therapeutic relationship we build together. For example, if you’re feeling caught in self-criticism, we might use cognitive and mindfulness-based strategies to build awareness and shift patterns. If you’re navigating a transition, solution-focused or motivational approaches can help clarify direction. When past experiences or developmental trauma are shaping present reactions, somatic and trauma-informed work can support regulation and healing. And when relationship patterns or recurring emotional themes feel important to explore, a relational lens may guide our conversations. Professional Background ________________________________________ After earning my Master’s in Social Work from Boston University in 1997, I began my career in community mental health and substance use treatment, building a strong clinical foundation while working with diverse populations and trauma-related concerns. I later expanded my work to include consulting within healthcare, research, and insurance organizations, and served as an adjunct professor teaching psychology and communication courses. These experiences broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of both individual and systems-level care. Direct clinical practice has always been my first passion. I have over 25 years of clinical experience as a social worker and have maintained a private practice for the past 10 years. I remain deeply committed to direct client work, offering thoughtful, high-quality care grounded in presence and respect. Who I Work With ________________________________________ I provide individual telehealth therapy for adults in Massachusetts. While I work with a range of clients, I specialize in supporting emerging adults (ages 18–28) as they navigate significant life transitions. I often help with concerns such as stress and academic pressure, ADHD (as an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider — ADHD-CCSP), entering the workforce, procrastination and overthinking, anxiety and depression, perfectionism and self-criticism, relationship and social challenges, developmental trauma, identity development, and career or life direction decisions. Getting Started ________________________________________ Finding the right therapist matters. If you’re considering therapy, I invite you to reach out for a brief consultation to see if working together feels like a good fit. *Please note that telehealth may not be clinically appropriate in all circumstances or for all clients.* A Guiding Philosophy ________________________________________ “In my early professional years I was asking the question: How can I treat, or cure, or change this person? Now I would phrase the question in this way: How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for his own personal growth?” — Carl R. Rogers Fees and Insurance ________________________________________ Red Bead Counseling accepts several insurance plans, and a list of accepted plans as well as self-pay fees are provided at the bottom of this page for your convenience. Monthly superbills are available for clients seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Please check with your insurance provider regarding eligibility and coverage. Crisis Resources ________________________________________ If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Additional 24/7 support is available through: • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) • Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741)