Melanie Hendricks

Hi and welcome to BetterHelp! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LISW-CP, or Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice, in the state of South Carolina) and a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers. I have over twenty years of experience working extensively in outpatient mental health settings providing services to children, adolescents, families, and adults who are experiencing a wide range of mental health issues from adjustment disorders to serious and persistent mental illness. I also have significant experience and expertise in the areas of intimacy problems and sexual disorders; it is my belief that every adult has a right to a fulfilling and healthy sex life, and as such, it is a crucial component of our identities that may be discounted or overlooked in assessments of our emotional and physical well-being. I have worked successfully with individuals experiencing many types of these particular concerns, from compulsive sexual behavior and pornography addiction to painful intercourse and sexual dissatisfaction. I am a Fellow of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, an international organization aimed at prevention of sexual abuse and the treatment of/research on those who abuse. With me, you will find no judgment or awkward pauses about whatever issues you are experiencing! Additionally, I have worked with countless survivors of sexual abuse and other traumas and am a nationally rostered trauma clinician; I have significant experience working with those managing PTSD, depression, and relationship/intimacy issues as a result of past sexual trauma or interpersonal violence. With my diverse clinical background and easy-going but caring, concerned, and direct style, I am confident that no matter what is troubling you, we can work together to ensure you become your best self! Although I utilize a variety of approaches depending on the issues and needs of those with whom I am working, I tend to rely most on two core theoretical frameworks. I often approach therapy from a cognitive-behavioral perspective, which entails (to put it simply) looking at thoughts and feelings and how they result in behaviors. When experiencing difficulty in your life, it is very likely that underlying faulty core beliefs are keeping you from achieving the emotional health and stability you desire; therefore, we will work on reframing and restructuring your negative thoughts and patterns into more positive, adaptive ones. In addition, I utilize a systems approach in conceptualizing your issues; in doing so, we will look at your role in each of the systems in which you interact to facilitate change. By gaining insight into the system of overlapping and intertwining relationships (i.e., the systems) in your life, you will reach a better understanding of your patterns of behavior and how to change those that are not working for you. No matter how we approach your identified needs, know that I am very passionate about my work helping others and it is my goal to provide you a therapy experience where you will feel heard, respected, and valued. Your feedback is crucial to our therapeutic relationship and remember, you are the key to your own success! I simply am going to help you open the door. I look forward to exploring the ways in which I can assist you in attaining your goals. Let’s get started today—you can do this!! And I’ll be with you every step of the way.