Meet the Team
Hello . . .
You don't have to have everything figured out before you start therapy.
Whether you're navigating the demands of parenting, processing trauma, feeling stuck in relationships, or finding yourself in a season of change, Melissa believes therapy should be a place where you feel genuinely understood, accepted, and never alone. She knows that life doesn't always unfold the way we expected - and sometimes the strongest thing we can do is ask for support.
As the founder of Speakeasy Therapy, Melissa is especially passionate about supporting parents, first responders, and individuals navigating trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, anxiety, and the many identity shifts that come throughout adulthood. She has a special interest in helping people reconnect with themselves, strengthen their relationships, and move toward a life guided by their values rather than fear or self-doubt.
Clients often describe Melissa as warm, relatable, and easy to talk to. She believes that rapport is the foundation of meaningful therapy and that healing begins when you feel safe enough to show up exactly as you are. Rather than focusing on what's "wrong," Melissa works to understand your story, recognize your strengths, and help you move forward with greater self-compassion and confidence.
Melissa integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed approaches, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), tailoring therapy to each individual's unique experiences and goals. Her approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens through connection, curiosity, and small, intentional steps.
Becoming a parent, experiencing grief, and walking alongside aging loved ones have deepened Melissa's appreciation for the complexity of life's transitions. Those experiences continue to shape the empathy and perspective she brings into the therapy room.
Outside of the office, Melissa is the proud mom of two wild, fun-loving boys and a boxer named Whiskey, who keep life full of adventure. She feels most at home exploring the outdoors, spending time at the beach, traveling, reading, or working in her garden. As a first-generation American who speaks Polish, she values the richness of culture, family traditions, and the many ways our stories shape who we become. Her mornings usually begin with an espresso, while afternoons are best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea.
Melissa Waterfield-Copeland, L.C.P.C.
Qualifications:
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BA in Psychology, Social Studies and Secondary Education [Carthage College]
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Paralegal Certificate [Carthage College]
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MA in Forensic Psychology [The University of Denver]
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MA in Business Administration [St. Mary's University]
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Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Illinois [IDFPR]
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Licensed Professional Counselor Texas [BHEC]
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Approved Clinical Supervisor [NBCC]
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Board Certified Telemental Health Provider [NBCC]
Modalities:
Acceptance and commitment Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
Forensic Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Narrative Therapy
Person-Center Therapy
Play Therapy
Strength-Based Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Special interests:
First Responders
Mid-Life Women's Issues
Parenting
