Dallas Trauma Therapist

MEET

Dr. Melissa Ward
Post Doctoral Fellow

Supervised by Dr. Brittany Escuriex, Licensed Psychologist (TX #36767)

Dallas trauma therapist smiling at camera

Work With melissa

Rates:

50-60 minute Individual Counseling Sessions $150

 

Accepts the following insurance:

  • Aetna PPO
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
  • United Healthcare PPO 

 

You might feel at war with your body, constantly trying to fix, shrink, or control it in hopes of finally feeling “enough.” Or maybe you’ve spent years disconnecting from how you feel, staying busy or strong to avoid the discomfort underneath. You might find yourself moving through relationships with care for others but little compassion for yourself, unsure how to feel safe in your own skin.


I work with clients who are tired of living in survival mode, those ready to unlearn shame, heal relationship and body wounds, and reconnect with their authentic selves. In therapy, we’ll gently explore how your experiences, beliefs, and cultural messages have shaped how you see yourself.


Together, we’ll build a more compassionate relationship with your body, your emotions, and your worth, one rooted in freedom, self-acceptance, and trust. My goal is to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and collaborative, where you don’t have to perform or have it all figured out.


Healing isn’t about fixing what’s “wrong” with you — it’s about rediscovering the parts of you that have always been strong, wise, and whole. I’ll walk beside you as you reconnect with those parts and learn to trust your capacity for growth and change.

Specializes in:​​​​

  • Body liberation & intuitive embodiment
  • Body image & self-acceptance
  • Eating concerns & disordered eating recovery
  • LGBTQ+ affirming care
  • Relationship concerns & attachment patterns
  • Family of origin trauma & intergenerational healing
  • Sexual trauma & intimate partner violence
  • Perfectionism & imposter syndrome
  • Self-compassion, shame, & inner healing

Trained in:​​​​

Relational Cultural Therapy, TF-CBT

Dallas therapist smiling in group with other trauma therapists
My Mission:
I deeply hope to create an environment that centers compassion and collaboration, and to understand and honor the diverse experiences and intersecting identities that make you who you are. I hope to be a co-collaborator through the therapy process and support you as you reach the goals that are meaningful to you, whether that be in gaining a deeper understanding of yourself or in helping you develop the skills you want to thrive.
My Journey:
As a sensitive and curious child, it felt like psychology and mental health care were a natural fit after I was introduced to the field through my own experiences as a client as a young teen. My passion for the field was reinforced while studying for my B.A. in Psychology at Humboldt State University and my M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at California State University, Fullerton. Because of my love for the field and the type of work I get to do, I decided to pursue my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Oklahoma State University.

FAQs

  • How do you help clients process trauma safely?
    We build grounding skills and consent first, then use structured methods to process at a tolerable pace.

 

  • How do you help people work on body image and self-esteem?
    Through self-compassion, body neutrality, and gently challenging harmful narratives. We focus on how your body feels and functions—not how it looks.

 

  • What does body liberation mean?
    Honoring every body’s inherent worth, challenging diet culture and size stigma, and reclaiming autonomy over your body and choices.

Self-Care Rituals:

I enjoy hiking, traveling, and reading! I also love trying new foods, playing video games, and spending time with my friends, family, and partner.

Work with Melissa

Last updated 12/5/2025