Introduction from Melissa Aldrich, LMSW

Hello-my name is Melissa Aldrich, and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I am happy to have this opportunity to introduce myself to you!

I will give a little about myself and what I will be doing to facilitate the Behavioral Health Program here at Huron Gastro. I have been providing Clinical Social Work for over 17 years. I was working on my undergrad in psychology, but I discovered social work and switched my major. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Eastern Michigan in May of 2005. I completed my master's degree in social work with a specialty in School Social Work, in May of 2007. During my master's degree training, I had the opportunity to work with one of the leading experts in the Trauma field, receiving this hands-on training led to my love and dedication for working with trauma patients.

A little bit about me personally is I’m a Michigander, born and raised. I have 2 children and I have two teddy bear dogs Maizey and Izzy who are two, a 5-year-old cat Bean and a new kitten Gracie. I love dancing, music, hiking, yoga, writing and all the good things. I write fiction, poetry and music and hope to publish someday.

Through the years I have worked in the school system and in private practice. I have worked treating clients including, but not limited to trauma, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, sexual assault, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, medical health conditions, LGBQ+, divorce, grief and loss, trichotillomania, learning disabilities, peer and family relations, bullying, among a variety of other areas. I treat clients using a variety of treatment modalities based on case-by-case situations, as I recognize that each client is unique and the approach, I take taps into their strengths leading them to a treatment plan for healing to live their best lives.

I have always been very passionate about the mind-body connection, how it is all related to mental health and overall well-being. I am very aware of GI symptoms and the different conditions and diagnosis that go along with them. I have been treating clients for years, using the same treatment modalities used to treat GI Patients. I do look forward to continuing therapy in Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy and to offering it to HG patients.

At Huron Gastro, we have weekly individual therapy and group therapy. Our goal is to have weekly individual therapy in a 2-9-session therapy program, meeting bi-weekly. We will be offering two group therapy and education groups specifically for IBS patients and for those living with GI conditions.

Some longer-term goals I have are to create a virtual educational video library for patients regarding the impact GI conditions play on mental health and mind-body gut connection. I am planning to develop mental healthiness resources for patients.

Thank you for taking this time to learn a little bit about me and what I will be doing here at Huron Gastro.