Melena O Ayres
LCSW-S, LCDC • Clinical Social Worker/Therapist
About
From the bustling streets of Southeast Asia to the heart of North Texas, Melena O Ayres, LCSW-S, LCDC, brings a unique global perspective to her therapeutic practice. With a journey that began as a teen mom and took her through careers in the municipal sector and paralegal field, Melena's path to becoming a licensed clinical social worker is as diverse as her approach to therapy.
Melena's therapeutic style is a refreshing blend of collaboration and straight-talk, softened by her innate sense of humor and deep empathic engagement. This approach reflects her passionate belief in the transformative power of therapy and her profound respect for those who invest in bettering their lives. As an Emdria approved EMDR therapist, Melena offers specialized trauma treatment, integrating this powerful modality into her comprehensive toolkit.
Her professional journey is marked by significant milestones. After returning to school following an eleven-year break, Melena earned her Bachelor's degree from UNT and her Master's of Social Work from UT at Arlington. In 2018, she completed the rigorous training to become an EMDR therapist, and in 2021, she achieved the distinguished status of Board approved LCSW Supervisor. This wealth of education and training informs her evidence-based approach to therapy.
Melena's diverse professional background sets her apart in the field. She has honed her skills in a variety of challenging environments, including detention centers, community centers, and behavioral health hospitals. This wide-ranging experience has equipped her with a nuanced understanding of human behavior and the complexities of mental health across different contexts. Currently, Melena shares her expertise as an instructor at Texas Woman's University, further enriching her practice with academic insights.
While Melena's professional life is full and vibrant, she maintains a healthy work-life balance. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, working out, and spending quality time with her family and beloved pets. This holistic approach to life informs her therapeutic practice, encouraging clients to find balance and joy in their own lives.
Melena O Ayres stands ready to guide clients through their mental health journey with a unique blend of professional expertise, life experience, and genuine compassion. Her practice offers a safe space for growth, healing, and transformation, underpinned by a commitment to helping clients live their best lives.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Master of Social Work
Certifications, Memberships & Training
- EMDR Certified Therapist, 2018
State Licenses
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor, 2021
- Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor
Specialties & Expertise
Specializations
- Addiction
- Trauma
State Licenses
- Texas
Race, Gender & Sexual Sensitivities
- LGBTQ+ Allied
Reviews
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Locations
LiveWell Counseling - Denton Downtown Office
Denton, TX