Melanie Umbdenstock, MHP, Clinical Intern
Kids, Adolescents, College, Young Adults,
Anxiety, ADHD, Emotional Regulation, Perfectionism, Body Image, Relationship Challenges, Social Anxiety, Social Media Addiction, Life Transitions
Hi there! I’m Melanie, and I’m so glad you’re here.
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming. Sitting down with someone you’ve just met and talking about the parts of your life that feel confusing, painful, or difficult to put into words is no small thing. I don’t take that vulnerability lightly. Having experienced therapy from both sides of the room, I bring a personal understanding of the courage it takes to begin and the healing that’s possible through the therapeutic relationship.
I’m currently completing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University. Throughout my clinical training, I’ve worked with adults in individual therapy and co-facilitated multifamily groups supporting teens and their parents. My experience includes helping clients navigate anxiety, emotional regulation, perfectionism, relationship challenges, and life transitions.
My therapeutic foundation is rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and existential approaches. At the same time, I don’t believe therapy should follow a one-size-fits-all model. I take an integrative, relational, and humanistic approach, tailoring each session to your unique experiences, strengths, and goals. I strive to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to move toward meaningful change.
Before beginning my counseling career, I spent several years in student leadership, mentorship, and recruitment consulting. Those experiences taught me the importance of listening deeply, recognizing people’s strengths, and helping them discover new possibilities. That same curiosity, warmth, and collaboration guide the way I work with clients today. While change is rarely linear, I’ve seen firsthand that growth is possible, and I’m honored to walk alongside clients as they move toward the life they want to build.
Originally from the northern suburbs of Chicago, I attended Florida State University, where I earned bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Communications. After graduation, I returned to Chicago to work in recruitment consulting, an experience that reignited my passion for mental health and reinforced the power of being genuinely curious about another person’s story. Today, I live in Chicago’s West Loop with my fiancé, where we’re usually busy planning our wedding or tackling our latest condo DIY project.
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