Melanie Pais, M.A.

Staff Associate Therapist

“The only constant in life Is change.”– Heraclitus

Melanie completed her Masters in Clinical Psychology specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy. In her view, therapy is like taking that first step in the darkness to find the keys to unlock the door that leads inside to a brighter, happier version of yourself. She is here to help you find that key, listen, understand, and walk side-by-side with you, holding your hand in this journey, while providing professional tools and proven strategies to find your own path. Along the way, she focuses on teaching skills to help people become their own therapist afterwords, to heal themselves, when they are ready. Melanie specializes in working with adult individuals and couples, helping them to heal relationships and build stronger, even more resilient connections. She does this by helping navigate issues with anxiety, depression, stress, and intimacy. She will guide you to navigate through challenging life transitions, from complexities of marriage, parenthood, and adjustments that come with an empty nest. She is here to help relieve your pain and openly discuss aspirations you have to help balance your life and relationships. Melanie applies an integrative modality with an emphasis on incorporating proven evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, Somatic Therapy, as well as Gottman and Family Systems approach.

Melanie worked at Antioch Community Therapy Services providing individual therapy to adults, as well as facilitated support groups for caregivers of those struggling with dementia and post-partum depression. She also worked as a Crisis Intervention Counselor for Peace Over Violence in Los Angeles, CA and mediated patient-doctor interaction for a variety of healthcare facilities while working as an interpreter for Fluent, Inc in Charlotte, NC. Melanie brings a unique and diverse background to her counseling practice. Prior to becoming a therapist, Melanie worked in the corporate world when she embarked on her journey from the ground up account manager to overseeing an operations department for a global team. Working in this corporate culture helped her understand firsthand the complexities of maintaining a work-life balance, family and challenges that individuals face in their careers. This personal experience allows Melanie to connect with her clients on a deeper level and provide them with practical guidance and support.

When Melanie is not counseling, she explores the world with her husband and two daughters, leads a Girl Scout troop, enjoys spending time outdoors, playing tennis, kayaking, and doing photography.

Melanie works under the direct supervision of David Smith, MDiv, MA, LPC, CPCS.

Education

• Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – Marriage and Family Therapy, Antioch University Los Angeles
• Master of Arts in International Relations, Kiev National University
• Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, Kiev National University

Licensure, Certifications and Professional Affiliations

• Member of Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia
• Member of American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
• Member of the Events and Trainings Committee for the Georgia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy