It is my goal to help people through difficult times and communicate better within their families. I would like to support individuals, couples and families as they learn to manage what feels too hard to do on their own. I have worked extensively supporting youth and families through post traumatic events, anger issues, anxiety, depression and adjustments. I want to help support you through this difficult time or time of adjustment.

I am a strong believer that personal growth, change, and self-improvement are attainable for anyone willing to make the decision to try. I have a long list of personal experiences that have brought me to a point in life where I can now reach out and help others therapeutically. If you are feeling stuck in your life or in a situation that feels hopeless, you do not have to suffer through it alone. I would be honored to join you right where you are and begin establishing the right tools for you to get unstuck and to find that hope that was lost or missing. Primarily, I have clinical experience working with adolescents struggling with ADHD, depression, anxiety, suicidality, autism, and oppositional defiance. Secondarily, my personal experiences fuel my desire to work with young/teen mothers, first responders and spouses/family members of first responders.

Hi! I believe that a fulfilling life is one built through connection with others as well as ourselves. I am excited about walking alongside you as we explore your relationship to yourself and the world around you. Together, we can work towards helping you create an authentic life!

I am an individual and couples therapist at the Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center and I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Santa Barbara and is licensed to practice in Washington State. With dedication and expertise in the field of mental health, I am committed to providing comprehensive, trauma-informed therapeutic support.

Serving both adolescents and adults, I utilize a person-centered approach and provides therapy from a holistic lens. My skills are rooted in Somatic Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Emotional Transformation Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. I believe that assisting clients in building autonomy and choice in therapy is critical for healing.

My overall experience spans across diverse populations, including new parents, grief-stricken individuals, survivors of abuse, those impacted by infidelity, individuals dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and more. I am also particularly attuned to the needs of Latinx/Global Majority, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.

Within the therapy experience, I consider the unique blend of histories, cultures, beliefs, relationships, identities, and stories that are a play. I am committed to forming relationships rooted in consideration, trust, and care, ensuring a supportive and affirming space for clients and their support systems.

Embark on a transformative journey, where compassionate guidance, individualized care, and a commitment to well-being form the cornerstone of your therapeutic experience.

I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults. I also offer art-informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as an alternative to traditional talk therapy, providing my young clients with a creative and engaging therapeutic approach.

With a holistic and eclectic approach, I tailor the therapeutic experience to best fit client goals. Combining person-centered therapy, art-informed CBT, and reality therapy, I create a personalized and distinctive journey for my clients. I firmly believes that one's perception plays a crucial role in their overall mental well-being, recognizing that distorted perceptions can hinder the experience of joy. By increasing mindfulness while maintaining realism, I support my clients in achieving their goals.

My philosophy is that every client that walks through my office door already possesses the answers to their problems. They just don’t know they do. I believe that counseling is a healing collaboration between counselor and client, where the client as the expert, and the counselor alongside the client, together evoke the emotional, psychological, and physical changes identified and desired by the client.
I earned both my undergraduate degree in psychology(2008) as well as my master’s in professional counseling(2011) from Georgia State University. I began my career working mainly with survivors of trauma. I believe that trauma is a part of life and began noticing a strong correlation between trauma, anxiety, and emotional eating and weight gain.
I work with weightloss in a unique way, by helping you get to the root of the issue. Whether its a childhood trauma or an unhealthy coping skill, together in collaboration with your body lets find the answer.

When life becomes overwhelming or filled with uncertainty, we all deserve a space to talk with someone who will not judge or shame us but who will walk alongside us as we figure it out. I believe that healing happens in connection, and we aren’t designed to figure it all out alone.

I value creating a safe and non-judgemental environment so my clients so they feel safe and comfortable when sharing their stories. I work primarily with trauma-related concerns, anxiety/ panic disorders, and depression.

Reaching out for support is an act of courage, and I admire the bravery it takes to consider counseling. My hope for you is that through the therapeutic process, you can be equipped with the tools to engage in a life that feels not only manageable but also more meaningful and fulfilling.

Malissa Truesdale-Crawford MA, LCMHCA
Malissa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate. She is licensed in both South Carolina and North Carolina.

Malissa is most passionate about people and her motto for clients is let’s work together to become your overall “best/better” SELF!! Malissa has worked tirelessly to help children of all ages and adults feel good about themselves no matter what the past, present may look like. We work together to make “you, the client” feel whole and worthy! Malissa’s previous work stems from children and adults thus the family unit (Couples) is an area that comes naturally for her.

As we process your life path, we will use my skills in Narrative Therapy (values/importance you tell yourself), Solution Focus (where you’re heading/future self), Motivational Interviewing (why do you do what you do) and CBT (ways to change what you do). Malissa is also trained in Couples Prepare/Enrich and Brain-spotting.

With a passion for transforming lives, The Transformation Specialists PLLC is a niche online counseling practice rooted in Black Christian values. This highly specialized group of counselors, comprised entirely of minority women, focuses on empowering individuals struggling with various challenges. Their compassionate approach values listening, understanding, and supporting clients, allowing them to feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether struggling with the pressures of a Superwoman or Superman complex, grief, identity, or relationship difficulties, their expertise is geared towards aiding clients in their pursuit of personal growth, improved communication, and deeper intimacy within their relationships. Call for free consultation today!