Tendrils: Growing stronger day by day

“Not all those that wander are lost.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien

Melissa Mitchell-Blitch is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Addictions Counselor. She works with individuals and couples.

Melissa holds bachelor’s degrees in business administration and accounting and master’s degrees in accounting and psychology.

Melissa’s first career was in the field of wealth management. As a Certified Public Accountant, working in the Private Client Services division of one of the largest international accounting firms, Melissa worked with high net-worth individuals and families to create, preserve and transfer wealth. It was during these experiences that Melissa observed the psychology of money and learned that an individual’s relationship with money significantly impacts all areas of one’s life.

Melissa was inspired to enter the field of psychology by her desire to help individuals who have an unhealthy relationship with money.

She was honored with the J. Patrick Leverett Award by The Citadel’s Department of Psychology for her outstanding work in the Master of Arts in Psychology – Clinical Counseling program.

Melissa has conducted research on compulsive shopping. Her study garnered local and national media attention. She also helped facilitate the start of a local chapter of Spenders Anonymous, a 12-step support group for those unable to control their spending.

Melissa has been helping clients in the process of recovery since 2005. In 2007, she was selected for the South Carolina Addiction Fellows Program. As a Fellow, Melissa received specialized training on the disease of addiction and the recovery process.

Melissa believes personal growth is a lifelong process. Her approach to counseling focuses on creating health - – of mind, body, spirit and relationships. She utilizes a variety of counseling techniques, which are grounded primarily in cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational enhancement therapy.

A South Carolina native, Melissa has called Charleston home since 1993. She enjoys time with friends, international travel, photography, reading, music and gardening. Melissa and her husband, Robbie, are Marriage Mentors and LifeGroup leaders through their church. They have two cats, both of whom were adopted through animal rescues.