Meet Melissa Shiplett-Jupe, PhD, LPC, NCC
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C)
Virtually Serving Texas Residents
Specialized in Reproductive Counseling, Fertility Challenges, and Perinatal and Postpartum Mental Health
Welcome! I am so happy you found your way here.
Hello! I’m Dr. Melissa Shiplett-Jupe. My clients call me Melissa and my counseling students, Dr. SJ.
With lived experiences, I created Minding Your Nest, PLLC to provide warmth, compassion, and trauma-informed care to clients experiencing fertility challenges, pregnancy and postpartum related mental health concerns, and LGBTQ+ family formation. With a long history of medically related grief, I am confident in treating clients experiencing medical conditions impacting mental health.
These journeys are deeply personal and can bring both joy and challenges. It's my privilege to provide a space where you can explore tough emotions and difficult experiences with gentle understanding and respect for your unique journey.
As a trauma-informed therapist specializing in these areas, I bring not only professional expertise but also a deep sense of empathy and care. I understand that past traumas can impact your present experiences, and I'm here to offer unwavering support as you navigate the cyclical nature as well as the highs and lows of building your family.
Whether you're facing fertility struggles, navigating the complexities of pregnancy, adjusting to life after childbirth, or exploring the beautiful possibilities of LGBTQ+ family forming, know that you're not alone. Together, we'll honor your experiences, celebrate your victories, and gently guide through the challenges with sensitivity to your individual needs and experiences.
I invite you to reach out and take the first step towards greater emotional well-being and fulfillment. Let's embark on this journey together, with kindness, understanding, and the unwavering belief that brighter days are ahead.
Why Minding Your Nest?
Early in my counseling career, a client once used the description of the Bald Eagle nest to describe the healing process.
The nest is first weaved together with hard, maybe even thorny branches. Next, soft filler is placed to insulate their nest creating a warm, welcoming, and comfortable environment for nesting. As new hatchlings grow into fledglings, the mother Bald Eagle begins to remove the soft filler. The original branches begin to poke and prod the eaglets as they try to get comfortable in the nest. The Bald Eagle continues minding the nest removing soft filler piece by piece until only the sticks remain. It as this point, the eaglets bravely learn to fly.
The dream of Minding Your Nest, PLLC was created that day.
In the metaphor above, the client is both the mothering Bald Eagle and the eaglet. The nest belongs to the client, not the counselor. My role at Minding Your Nest is to hold space and getting to the questions for you to decide: What is comfortable to you? What sticks are poking your sides? What does minding your nest look like so that you, your healing, your goals, and your dreams can fly?
My approach is rooted in trauma-informed principles, which means I prioritize safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment in our therapeutic relationship. Regardless of your background, identity, or circumstances, you are welcome here. My goal is to create a warm and inviting environment where you can feel seen, heard, and valued as we work together towards healing and growth.
Clients are participants in the systems in which they live. This may include cultural, political, educational, familial, religious (and more) systems. Clients can expect me to bring awareness between these systems and how it impacts your daily life, emotions, and overall experiences.
I believe counseling is a collaborative approach between counselor and client. Through this collaboration we create a safe place to discuss your most intimate and vulnerable moments. I bring the training and education of counseling modalities, theories, resources, skills. As a client, you bring the most important piece and expertise, you!
My Approach to Counseling
Education, Licensure, and Certifications
2002 St. Mary’s University, Bachelors of Arts - Psychology; Minor - Fine Arts
2017 The University of Texas at San Antonio, Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
2020 The University of Texas at San Antonio, Doctorate of Philosophy - Counselor Education and Supervision
Dissertation: Sexual Minorities and Reproductive Health: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Sexual Minority Experiences with Assisted Reproductive Technology and Fertility Challenges
Licensed Professional Counselor, Texas #80021
National Certified Counselor #885523
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional #PSI6540
Connect with Melissa today!
Send a message and I will get back to you shortly!