ABOUT ME

"Recovery is predicated on aligning your life with your values, and you aren't going to be able to align anything until you know who you are." - Dr. Devon Price

You must be tired from your endless search for the “next step” or the “right answer.” You might find it here or elsewhere, but for now, take a moment to take a deep breath and rest.

My name is Melissa Graves (she/her), and I’m a licensed master’s level social worker (LMSW). I am proud to be serving clients in the Wichita and greater Kansas area with Kansas Mental Health Professionals. I graduated with my Master of Social Work degree from Newman University in Wichita, KS, in May 2024. My formal education is clinically based and trauma-informed. I will soon be receiving weekly clinical supervision to aid in my work with clients. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a helper, but I found my true calling after years of therapy myself.

A few fun facts about me before we dive into the deeper stuff: I’m married to my very best friend, Brent, who has been my rock throughout my private practice journey and all the wild ideas my brain conjures up. I’m also the very definition of a “dog mom”—the one who asks, “Do you want to see a picture of my dog?” just moments after meeting someone. We adore senior dogs and have had to say goodbye to three frosty-lipped fur babies over the years. Now, we have a younger chow-husky mix named Teddy, who keeps us on our toes! In my spare time, I love knitting, cooking, eating, singing, napping, and watching football (Go Lions!). I collect squishmallows, my useless talent is memorizing local commercial jingles, and my favorite video games are Animal Crossing and Pokémon.

Now, for the deeper stuff: I’ve struggled with my mental health throughout my life and have experienced my fair share of trauma. I know what it feels like to be stuck, hopeless, and defeated. I understand how much strength, courage, and perseverance it takes to wake up each day and do the work, even when your brain is working hard against you. There were times when I believed I would never “get better,” that I was “stuck this way forever.” It felt like I was climbing a steep mountain blindfolded, unsure of my destination, which steps to take, and what to expect on the other side. While I still have my bad days, I’m now experiencing the other side of recovery, and it’s so worth it.

My love for mental health and passion for social justice led me to become a social worker. I believe that mental health and life experiences exist within a broader context—biologically, environmentally, culturally, and spiritually. Having worked primarily with unhoused populations in community mental health settings for three years has deepened my empathy and insight into the importance of advocacy in being a helper. As a second-generation Vietnamese American, I recognize how my culture adds complexities to my mental health that many providers may not understand. Recently, I was diagnosed with ADHD and then, very recently, with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). I truly understand the challenges of navigating mental health in an ableist culture.

My goal is not just to help those struggling with their mental health, but to foster genuine, trusting therapeutic relationships with my clients. I want you to know that someone is in your corner, wholeheartedly believing in your capacity to heal and recover. My aim is not to save or fix you, but to provide the tools, skills, knowledge, and insights you need to reach your goals. I want to help you believe in yourself and recognize that you are deserving of a life worth living.

If my story resonates with you and you feel we would be a good match, I invite you to reach out and book a complimentary 15-minute consultation. Please feel free to explore my website, where I’ll be posting blogs, coping skills, and other content in the future. I look forward to supporting you on your healing journey!

Very gratefully,

Melissa Graves, LMSW (she/her)