Dr. Melissa Wattenberg

Dr. Melissa Wattenberg is a licensed clinical psychologist who offers a trauma-aware, respect-based perspective in her work with individuals, couples, and families. She is trained in a variety of evidence-based practices, including cognitive-behavioural therapies, cognitive processing therapy, motivational interviewing, and integrative behavioral couples therapy. She incorporates person-centered, strengths-based, and creative approaches in the collaborative process of psychotherapy. Dr. Wattenberg completed her doctoral and master’s degrees at University of Illinois – Chicago, specializing in clinical and cognitive psychology. Her prior experiences include working in, leading, and developing intensive mental health treatment programs, and educating trainees in a variety of related modalities. She has also worked in private practice and group practices.

Dr. Wattenberg considers one of her distinctions to be contributing to the development of Present-Centered Group Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, about which she has written and published, including a recent book, Present-Centered Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Embracing Today (Wattenberg et al., 2021)). She has been privileged to work with veterans, as well as with persons with challenging mental health conditions, throughout much of her career, and has found opportunities to advocate for stigma-free treatment of persons with mental health diagnoses. Outside of her work life, Dr. Wattenberg enjoys writing, yoga, and kayaking.