Hello, there! I’m thrilled you stopped by for the launch of my new blog! I’m Melissa Cluff, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist. Cluff Counseling is my therapy private practice. This introductory post will give you a little look into who I am and why I love what I do.
I would describe myself as cheerful, dependable, and witty. When I am not in the office, I enjoy decorating, discovering local restaurants with friends, meal-prepping, further exploring my newfound interest in traveling, and being active in my nieces’ and nephews’ lives. I love to be busy and struggle to stay still. I am a people person; I thrive off of meaningful relationships and am grateful for those relationships in my life. When I was little, I dreamed of being a teacher, like my mother, and I remember using a large chalkboard in our garage to instruct my imaginary students, and sometimes my younger siblings. In high school, somebody close to me confided in me about his positive experience with his therapist, and told me I reminded him of that influential therapist. I then decided to explore psychology, and developed a passion studying human behavior within the realms of relationships and addiction, and sought out higher education that would allow me to make my passion a career.
I received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Brigham Young University and a Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Science, with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Oklahoma State University. I am involved in several professional associations and have received additional training and certifications that have enabled me to focus on those suffering from addiction and/or trauma (in an upcoming post I will further discuss the meaning of said certifications and how it can help you in our sessions). As a therapist, I would describe myself as 1) compassionate; 2) responsive; and 3) curious, yet non-judgmental. My goal is to provide a welcoming, safe place–a judgment-free zone–where you can bring the things that weigh you down and feel empowered to work towards becoming the person you want to be! As your therapist, I am your confidant, your cheerleader, your advocate.
My life mantra comes from the simple words of Dorothy Satten, “Real is better than perfect.” I have this displayed throughout my office as a reminder that connection, with ourselves and with others, happens when we are authentic instead of trying to be what we perceive others want us to be. I am a client-centered therapist, which means I allow you, my clients, to identify what isn’t working for you and the direction you want change, rather than prescribing goals for you. Through our sessions, you will come to better understand your emotions and needs, and recognize the patterns that have kept you stuck. We will work together to refine your coping skills and equip you with the necessary tools needed to achieve your personal and relational goals. Although it’s difficult to say goodbye to clients, I find immense joy witnessing the personal transformations of my clients as they prepare to move on to the next phase of their life–as healthier and happier people.
