Melody Carpenter

Will I ever be good enough? Maybe I AM the crazy one? Am I really in an abusive relationship? It's not really that bad, is it?...

Have you had these thoughts? Are you anxious, depressed, a chronic people pleaser? Have your "loved ones" blamed you for "everything that is wrong"? Do you hate the way they treat you, but a few good memories make you feel guilty for having those thoughts (cognitive dissonance)?

This is all normal if you have experienced narcissistic abuse by a romantic partner or emotionally immature parents. This is where I come in- healing is possible. You deserve it and I'm dedicated to helping you achieve it!

I'm Melody Carpenter (formerly Dascanio) and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I hold a Masters degree in Professional Counseling and I also happen to have a Bachelors of Music degree. I specialize in helping survivors of domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, and adult children of emotionally immature parents. I am certified as a Level 2 Complex Trauma Professional, a Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician, and a Personality Disorder Clinician. I am specially trained in EMDR, Hypnotherapy, Pathological Love Relationships, Personality Disorders and Narcissistic Abuse.

Narcissistic abuse trauma dysregulates the nervous system and must be approached with both somatic and cognitive techniques. I have completed training under some of the best; including Sandra Brown and The Institute for Relationship Harm Reduction, Dr. Ramani, Patrick Teahan, Kathryn McBride, and Lindsay Gibson to ensure that my skills will meet your needs.

Prior to opening my own practice, I founded the therapy department for a non-profit Domestic Violence Organization; creating practices, procedures, program assessment, staff training, and the therapeutic curriculum for survivors of domestic violence. I am a frequent guest speaker at conferences, facilitating workshops on Trauma Informed Care, Domestic Violence, and Trauma Interventions.

In our work together, you are the expert of your story, and your strengths will help you overcome the obstacles ahead. My role is in helping you realize your power and supporting you through the healing journey. I'm humbled by each person that allows me to be a part of their journey and look forward to working with you!

In my free time, I enjoy taking care of my cats, dogs, parrots, and horses. As an semi-professional musician I continue to enjoy playing piano, clarinet, flute, and violin. I am proud to be a bass clarinetist for the North Pittsburgh Symphonic Band and the Musician's Concert Band. I also enjoy bluegrass music and sang family's bluegrass band "Keep Off the Grass" for many years prior to our banjo player, my talented father, passing away. My friends describe me as unique, humorous and quirky; all qualities that I am proud to incorporate into the way I provide therapy.