Melanie Somerville is a licensed professional counselor based in Lakeway, Texas who practices Gestalt therapy. She facilitates her clients' self-awareness by paying attention to both verbal and non-verbal expression, as well as the mind and body. Through increased self-awareness, clients have a greater ability to choose actions that enhance their quality of life. She explores early childhood experiences and uses experiential techniques to help resolve mental distress related to issues such as abuse, relationships, grief, and chronic pain. Melanie received her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from St. Mary's University and has over a decade of counseling experience.

1. MELANIE SOMERVILLE, LPC
L I C E N S E D P R O F E S S I O N A L C O U N S E L O R
As a Gestalt therapist, the therapeutic relationship co-created by myself and
my client is of prime importance. Paying attention to both body & mind, verbal
& non-verbal expression, I facilitate my client's self-awareness. Through this
increase in self-awareness, individuals have a greater range from which to
choose their actions. With sensitivity and non-judgment we explore early
childhood experiences, incorporate experiential techniques, and focus on
present-moment understanding to resolve many different types of mental
distress.
P R O F I L E
C O N T A C T
E D U C A T I O N
C L I E N T E L E S E R V E D
E X P E R I E N C E
Licensed professional
counselor with a
profound interest in
the human condition.
My mission is to
facilitate each
person's recognition
of their true self and
empower them to act
in ways that enhance
their quality of life.
124 Highlander St.
Lakeway, TX
78734
512-593-0583
www.therapyplease.com
FB: Melanie Somerville, LPC
Twitter: @therapyplease
St. Mary's University, San Antonio
PhD, Counselor Education and Supervision
Expected graduation, Spring,2016
2011-Present
Adolescents
Adults
Couples
Divorcing parents
Survivors of childhood abuse
P R O F E S S I O N A L T R A I N I N G
& C E R T I F I C A T I O N S
Gestalt Institute of
Cleveland, Training
program
Certified Mediator
Certified advanced
family mediation
New Ways 4 Families,
provider
Flatwater Foundation, a
non-profit organization
providing free counseling
to cancer patients and
their families, provider
Shambhala Meditation
training, Levels 1-5
Substance abuse
End-of-life
Grief
Mid-life transitions
Chronic Pain
TherapyPlease, Austin, TX 2013 - Present
Owner/Founder
Private practice offering counseling services to adolescents, adults and
couples. Theoretical foundation rests on Gestalt principles of increased self-
awareness, integration, and the cycle of experience.
Nueva Vida Behavioral Health, San Antonio, TX 2012 - 2013
Part-time counselor
Provided counseling to clients who were experiencing a variety of
psychological challenges, including depression, anxiety, and trauma.
The Pain Management Clinic of Laredo, TX 2010-2013
Staff counselor
Patients were referred by the physician for remediation of a variety of
psychological distress, including chronic pain, depression, anxiety, adjustment
disorders. Referrals were also generated from physicians and community
agencies outside the practice.
Texas A&M International University, Laredo
MA, Counseling Psychology
The University of Texas, Austin
BS, Communications
2007-2009
1979-1984
P H I L O S O P H I C A L F O U N D A T I O N O F P R A C T I C E

2. Texas A & M International University, Laredo, TX 2010 - 2011
Adjunct Instructor
Instructed two semesters of undergraduate Introduction to Psychology, and
assisted in one semester of master's level Group Counseling class.
Texas A & M International University, Laredo, TX 2009
Research Assistant
Submitted research proposal materials to Institutional Review Board, and
completed necessary follow-up. Conducted literature review for material
relevant to the project. Compiled and organized literature to present to the
lead researcher. Recruited research study participants. Administered survey
instruments to participants. Entered data and performed analysis using SPSS
computer software.
Baptist Children and Family Services, Laredo, TX 2009-2010
Group co-leader
Conducted bi-weekly group therapy sessions at South Texas colonias in Webb
County, Texas. These were psychoeducational and process groups for women
residing in these communities. Sessions were conducted in Spanish and
English.
The Pain Management Clinic of Laredo, TX 1995-2010
Practice Administrator
Managed all aspects of operating the medical practice of an independent
practice physician. This included the hiring and management of a 5-7 person
staff, bookkeeping, payroll and medical claims administration, as well as
insurance verification, pre-certification and claims appeals. Oversaw the
transition to electronic medical records.
F O R A L I S T O F P R E S E N T A T I O N S A N D C O M M U N I T Y
P R O - B O N O W O R K , P L E A S E S E E M Y L I N K E D I N P R O F I L E
A T H T T P S : / / W W W . L I N K E D I N . C O M / P U B / M E L A N I E -
S O M E R V I L L E - M A - L P C / 1 6 / 6 B 0 / 3 1 B