Saylor, Melissa M.S., GC-C

Saylor, Melissa M.S., GC-C
Certification Achieved
City or Geographical Area
Bledsoe
State/Province
KY
Country
USA
Certified Member Since
08/14/2006
Date of Current Certification
12/07/2016
Certification Expires
12/07/2020
Other Certifications Held
Crisis Counselor - domestic violence and/or sexual assault
Professional Phone Number (Optional)
(501) 701-0107
Bio/Resume/Publications

Personal Philosophy of Counseling

As a grief counselor, I aim to assist those who either are anticipating their own or another’s death, or have already experienced the loss of a loved one. While I believe that each person innately possesses the strengths and qualities for their ultimate recovery, I recognize at times they may discover they have little to no support system, their grief is too profound for them to bear alone, and feel the need for a professional to serve as a partner in their grief journey. My assistance is focused on collaborating with, and supporting them, throughout their recovery process.

The grieving process is unique to each individual, and requires time and attention to accomplish. The order, intensity, and duration of the grief work varies considerably per each individual. With professional guidance, and a commitment to remain devoted to the process until the desired goals are achieved, a client can learn to identify, develop, and implement their internal and external resources that serve to facilitate a successful outcome.

Two principal features imperative to effective counseling are: the attitudes and personal characteristics of the therapist, and the degree of quality within the client/therapist relationship. These therapist qualities include (but are not limited to) mutual respect, authenticity, genuineness, ability to empathize, acceptance, and unconditional positive regard for the client. I continually strive to cultivate and nurture a strong, healthy, working relationship with my clients by demonstrating these qualities; as well as offering them a safe, supportive environment in which to express their deepest and most personal feelings.

In my practice, the initial phase of the therapeutic process is primarily relationship-

centered, as I cultivate the relationship with the client. Moving into the exploration to understanding stage, my aim is to interact with the client in a manner which reflects understanding by demonstrating active listening, reflection of feeling, and accurate empathic understanding. During the action stage, which is principally technique-centered, the level of interaction increases as I utilize different treatment approaches in working with the client towards the achievement of specific, pre-determined goals.

Since the start of practicing as a Nationally Certified Grief Counselor in 2006 I have worked with a range of ages from children to elderly, as well as various societal, cultural, and religious backgrounds and beliefs, both in the realm of personal counseling as well as facilitating grief groups in the workplace, churches, and school campuses. I have independently contracted with hospice facilities, hospital chaplain services, and funeral homes to provide grief care to their clients/patients. I have also presented as an educator at various lectures, seminars, and workshops.

 

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