Melissa Novak a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Sex Therapist, in Chicago, IL,  specializing in the treatment of sexual dysfunction, personality disorders as well as depression and anxiety related disorders.

Melissa believes the therapeutic relationship is a safe place to explore, examine and assess where you are today versus where you want to be in the future. Together, you will identify the challenges that keep you from living a more satisfying life and develop concrete plans and skills to address these obstacles. Her style is always collaborative, in which you are the expert of your own experience and strengths.  She is goal-oriented and takes time to review your treatment plan with you to ensure cohesiveness between her expertise in mental health and your expertise in your life.  This means the sessions are focused and goals are clear.

The foundation of her approach is grounded in empirically-validated treatments, proven most effective in treating sexual concerns, anxiety and depression, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and sexual therapy.  This organized approach helps focus sessions, direct interventions and provides the structure needed to address a variety of issues clients may experience.

She is open to working with all forms of sexual expression and orientation and utilizes a sex-positive approach when working with sexual disorders. All treatment is confidential and follows ethical guidelines as defined by AASECT and NASW.