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Welcome to Active Change Therapy

Welcome to my therapy practice in Cherry Creek, Denver, Colorado, where offer both in-person andhealth sessions. Specializing in EMDR, psychedelic-assisted preparation and integration, positive psychology, gender therapy, and mindfulness approaches, I am dedicated to helping you navigate depression, anxiety, and promote healthy living. Together, we will work towards your healing and personal growth in a supportive environment. Let's embark on this journey to well-being together.

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About Melani Massey, LCSW-S

Welcome to my practice!  Since 2008, I have dedicated myself to providing care to individuals on their journey to discovering their most authentic selves. With expertise in trauma, depression, anxiety, and gender transition, I aim to support you in achieving a more fulfilling life.  I am an EMDR therapist and hold a certification in psychedelic-assisted therapy and a certification to teach science-based mindfulness.  I am alongside you on your journey to achieve  meaningful growth.

I am passionate about brain health and healthy living.  I enjoy learning ways to extend cognitive health during advanced aging through diet and lifestyle.  I continue to build my repertoire of knowledge and therapy skills to help clients thrive in their lives.  

In my free time, I love spending with my two adult kids, my dogs, as well as hiking, running, paddle boarding, cooking, and gardening.

Therapeutic Alliance

Active Change Therapy offers several therapeutic modalities to help individuals learn new ways to cope with and adapt to difficult situations, circumstances and/or process trauma while reducing distress. My approach is tailored to meet your unique needs for effective healing.

Support

I  provide a safe space for clients to explore their feelings and experiences. I am dedicated to helping you through your journey towards emotional well-being.

Growth

My sessions focus on personal growth and resilience. I empower clients to develop coping strategies and enhance their overall mental health through evidence-based practices.

Connection

Building a strong therapeutic relationship is key. I prioritize open communication and trust, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way in your healing process.

EMDR therapy

Welcome to Active Change Therapy, where I specialize in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR therapy). This evidence-based treatment is designed to assist in healing from traumatic experiences by integrating distressing memories through guided eye movements. Situated in Cherry Creek, Denver, I offer a professional and supportive environment for clients dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and other trauma-related conditions. Additionally, I provide telehealth options to ensure that quality care is accessible all clients.

 

What EMDR Therapy Can Help With EMDR therapy may be a good fit if you are struggling with: Trauma and past distressing experiences Anxiety and chronic worry Panic or heightened stress responses Grief and loss Childhood experiences that still affect you Negative self-beliefs Relationship triggers and emotional reactivity Body-based stress or nervous system activation Difficulty moving forward after painful events EMDR can be especially helpful when you feel like you understand something intellectually, but your body or emotions still react as if it is happening now. How EMDR Therapy Works EMDR therapy helps the brain and nervous system process difficult memories in a way that makes them feel less overwhelming. During EMDR, we may use bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, taps, or alternating tones, while focusing on a memory, emotion, body sensation, or belief. The goal is not to erase the memory. The goal is to reduce the intensity of the distress and help your system hold the experience with more distance, clarity, and stability. In practice, EMDR can help you: Feel less activated by old memories Reduce emotional intensity around trauma Shift unhelpful self-beliefs Strengthen coping and resilience Create more space between a trigger and your response Build a greater sense of safety and regulation My Approach to EMDR I integrate EMDR therapy within a broader approach that includes mindfulness, integrative health, and positive psychology. That means I do not treat EMDR as a one-size-fits-all protocol. I tailor the work to your needs, pacing, and readiness. Before processing begins, we focus on building safety, trust, and stability. That may include: Understanding your goals for therapy Identifying current triggers and stress responses Strengthening grounding and regulation skills Exploring resources and supports Determining whether EMDR is the right fit for you For some clients, EMDR is used as the main treatment approach. For others, it becomes part of a larger therapy process that includes reflection, coping tools, and support around relationships, identity, or life transitions. What to Expect in EMDR Therapy Starting EMDR does not mean jumping straight into trauma processing. We begin by getting to know your history, current concerns, and treatment goals. From there, we work at a pace that feels manageable. A typical EMDR process may include: An initial consultation and assessment Treatment planning and preparation Learning grounding and stabilization skills Identifying target memories or themes Processing with bilateral stimulation Checking in on changes in thoughts, emotions, and body sensations Strengthening positive beliefs and integration You remain in control throughout the process. Sessions are paced to support your capacity and readiness, and we adjust the work as needed. Who EMDR May Be Helpful For EMDR therapy can be helpful for: Adults carrying unresolved trauma People who feel emotionally triggered by current events or relationships Clients with anxiety connected to past experiences Therapists and professionals who want to process their own history more deeply Individuals who want a structured, experiential approach to healing Clients who have tried other forms of therapy and want something different EMDR, Telehealth, and In-Person Therapy I provide in-person EMDR therapy in Cherry Creek, Denver, Colorado for clients who want face-to-face sessions. I also offer telehealth for clients in Colorado, California, and Texas when virtual EMDR or related therapy services are appropriate. Some parts of EMDR work may be well suited to telehealth, depending on your goals, comfort, and clinical needs. We can discuss whether in-person or virtual sessions make the most sense for you. ​

Gender Therapy for Adults

At Active Change Therapy, I provide supportive, affirming therapy for transgender and gender-diverse individuals exploring their gender identity, expression, and transition-related needs. My practice is located in Cherry Creek in Denver, Colorado, and I also offer telehealth for clients who prefer not to attend in person.

I specialize in helping transgender individuals explore questions related to gender identity, gender expression, social transition, medical transition, relationships, family dynamics, and self-acceptance. I approach this work with respect, collaboration, and a deep commitment to creating a space where you can explore who you are without pressure or judgment.

I have completed 70 hours of education specific to gender identity health and transition and I follow the WPATH Standards of Care in my work. That means I aim to provide care that is informed, affirming, and grounded in current best practices for transgender and gender-diverse clients.

You do not need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Gender exploration can be a gradual process, and therapy can offer a place to slow down, reflect, and better understand your needs.

 

What Gender Therapy Can Help With Gender therapy may be helpful if you are navigating: •    Questions about gender identity •    Gender expression and presentation •    Coming out to family, partners, or friends •    Social transition •    Medical transition support •    Anxiety, stress, or uncertainty related to gender exploration •    Family or relationship conflict related to gender identity •    Self-esteem and self-acceptance •    Dysphoria and emotional distress •    Desire for a supportive, affirming space to talk openly My Approach to Gender Therapy My approach is affirming, collaborative, and client-centered. I believe therapy should support your autonomy and help you make decisions that align with your values, your identity, and your life goals. In sessions, we may explore: •    What gender means to you •    How you experience your gender internally and externally •    What feels affirming or distressing •    How you want to express yourself in the world •    What support you need from relationships or community •    How to navigate transition-related choices at your own pace I work to create a therapy space where you can speak honestly about your experience and feel supported in the process of self-discovery. WPATH-Informed Care I follow the WPATH Standards of Care, which guide ethical, affirming, and evidence-informed support for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. This framework helps ensure that care is centered on dignity, informed choice, and individualized support. Whether you are seeking therapy for exploration, emotional support, transition-related conversations, or documentation-related needs, I aim to provide thoughtful and respectful care that aligns with your goals. Who I Work With I provide gender therapy for: •    Transgender adults •    Gender-diverse and nonbinary individuals •    People questioning their gender identity •    Clients exploring gender expression •    Individuals considering or navigating transition •    Clients seeking affirming support in Colorado, California, and Texas through telehealth when appropriate In-Person and Telehealth Options I offer in-person therapy in Cherry Creek, Denver, Colorado for clients who want face-to-face support. I also provide telehealth for clients who prefer virtual sessions and are located in states where I am licensed, including Colorado, California, and Texas. Gender Therapy and Identity-Affirming Support Gender exploration can bring up many emotions, including relief, grief, excitement, fear, clarity, or confusion. Therapy can help you make sense of those experiences in a space that is grounded, affirming, and centered on your wellbeing. My role is not to tell you who you are. My role is to help you explore your identity with support, increase clarity, and make decisions that feel right for you. Ready to Begin Gender Therapy? If you are looking for gender therapy in Cherry Creek, Denver, Colorado, I invite you to reach out. Whether you are beginning to explore your identity or are further along in your transition journey, Active Change Therapy offers a supportive space to help you move forward with greater confidence and self-understanding.

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Positive Psychology and Strengths Based Therapy Approach

Positive Psychology and Strengths-Based Therapy

At Active Change Therapy, I use a positive psychology and strengths-basedperspective to help clients build on what is already present within them. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, problems, or what feels wrong, this approach also looks at resilience, values, strengths, supportive relationships, and the capacities that can help you move forward.

Positive psychology in therapy is not about ignoring pain or pretending everything is fine. It is about recognizing that healing is supported not only by reducing distress, but also by increasing well-being, purpose, connection, meaning, and hope.

A strengths-based perspective helps clients notice the skills, coping strategies, qualities, and life experiences that have already helped them survive and adapt. In therapy, this can create a more empowering process where growth feels possible and grounded in real life.

How Positive Psychology Supports Therapeutic Healing

Positive psychology offers tools that can support emotional health and long-term change. In therapy, this may include exploring:

  • What gives your life meaning

  • What you value most

  • What helps you feel grounded and connected

  • Times when you have coped effectively

  • Strengths you may not fully recognize yet

  • Practices that support hope, gratitude, and self-compassion

  • Ways to create more satisfaction and purpose in daily life

This approach can be especially helpful for clients who want therapy to feel practical, affirming, and focused on both healing and growth.

The Role of a Strengths-Based Perspective A strengths-based perspective means looking at you as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms or diagnoses. It recognizes that every person has strengths, even during difficult seasons. In therapy, this may involve identifying: Personal resilience Problem-solving skills Emotional insight Creativity Capacity for connection Courage and persistence Values that guide decision-making Past experiences that demonstrate growth This perspective can support clients in building confidence and shifting from self-criticism toward self-understanding. Why Social Connection Matters Healthy social connection is a major part of emotional wellbeing and therapeutic healing. People heal in relationship, and supportive connection can help reduce isolation, increase resilience, and strengthen a sense of belonging. In therapy, social connection may involve exploring: Supportive relationships in your life Boundaries and communication patterns Loneliness or disconnection Ways to build deeper community How relationships affect stress and healing What kind of support feels safe and meaningful Social connection can be particularly important when someone is dealing with trauma, anxiety, identity concerns, grief, or major life transitions. A strong sense of connection can help regulate stress and reinforce a person’s ability to move through difficult experiences. Integrative Health in Therapy I also incorporate integrative health into my work, which means looking at how the whole person is affected by physical, emotional, relational, and environmental factors. Healing is shaped by more than thoughts and feelings alone. Integrative health may include attention to: Sleep Nutrition Movement Stress regulation Nervous system support Rest and recovery Mindfulness and body awareness Daily routines and balance Overall lifestyle habits These factors are not separate from therapy. They often influence mood, energy, focus, and the ability to cope with stress. Exploring them in therapy can help clients create changes that support wellbeing in sustainable ways. Lifestyle Factors That Affect Healing Lifestyle factors can have a significant impact on mental and emotional health. In therapy, it can be helpful to look at how everyday habits and rhythms affect your sense of stability and wellbeing. Areas that may support healing include: Consistent sleep and rest Movement that feels supportive rather than punishing Time in nature Nourishing food and hydration Healthy boundaries around work and obligations Time for reflection, play, or creativity Reduced overload and overstimulation Intentional routines that support regulation These are not treated as rigid rules. Instead, they are explored as practical supports that can help your system feel more balanced and resilient. How These Approaches Work Together Positive psychology, strengths-based therapy, social connection, integrative health, and lifestyle awareness work well together because they all support healing from a whole-person perspective. Together, they can help you: Understand your patterns more clearly Reduce self-criticism Build on existing strengths Increase resilience and hope Strengthen relationships and community support Support emotional and physical regulation Create meaningful, sustainable change This kind of work can be especially helpful for people who want therapy that feels both compassionate and practical. What This Looks Like in Therapy In sessions, this approach may include: Identifying strengths and resources Clarifying values and goals Exploring what supports your wellbeing Looking at social connection and relational patterns Discussing habits, routines, and lifestyle factors Building coping tools that fit your life Creating realistic steps toward greater balance and meaning The goal is to help you feel more supported, more resourced, and more connected to what helps you thrive.

Other Therapeutic Approaches

Welcome to my practice, where a holistic approach to mental health and well-being is at the core of healing. The services I provide include innovative modalities such as psychedelic-assisted therapy preparation and integration, gender therapy, and mindfulness practices. I value creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals on their healing journey. Together we will explore and nurture your personal growth and transformation.

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Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Preparation and Integration

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy with Psilocybin

At Active Change Therapy, I offer psychedelic-assisted therapy preparation and integration support for clients exploring healing through psilocybin and other plant medicine experiences. 

Psychedelic-assisted therapy is a therapeutic process that can support deep reflection, emotional processing, and meaningful change. When used in a safe, structured, and professionally supported context, psilocybin may help people access new perspectives, soften rigid patterns, and engage with difficult material in a more open and compassionate way.

My role is to help clients prepare for the experience, process what emerges, and integrate insights into daily life so that change can become more lasting and embodied.

Potential Benefits of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Psilocybin-assisted work may support healing in several ways, including:

  • Increased emotional openness

  • Greater self-awareness

  • Reduced avoidance of painful material

  • New insight into patterns, relationships, and beliefs

  • A sense of connection, meaning, or perspective

  • Softening of rigid thinking

  • Greater psychological flexibility

  • Support for processing grief, trauma, or life transitions

  • Increased motivation for positive change

Many people describe psychedelic experiences as helping them step outside familiar mental loops and see themselves or their lives from a different vantage point. In therapy, that can create an opening for reflection and transformation.

Who Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy May Be Appropriate For This work may be appropriate for adults who are looking for a structured therapeutic process and who feel ready to explore healing in a deeper way. It may be especially helpful for people who: Feel stuck in repeated emotional or behavioral patterns Want support processing trauma or grief Are seeking greater meaning or clarity in life Have tried other forms of therapy and want a different approach Are interested in personal growth and integration Want help preparing for or understanding a psychedelic experience Are therapists or professionals seeking deeper healing Psychedelic-assisted therapy is not a fit for everyone. It is best approached thoughtfully, with attention to mental health history, current stressors, support systems, and treatment goals. In therapy, we can discuss whether this work aligns with your needs and readiness. How Psilocybin May Support Neuroplasticity One reason psilocybin is of interest in mental health care is its potential to support neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to change, adapt, and form new connections. In therapeutic terms, increased neuroplasticity can create more flexibility in how a person thinks, feels, and responds. This may help with: Loosening rigid thought patterns Creating space for new perspectives Making it easier to shift old habits Supporting emotional learning Increasing receptivity to change Helping new insights take root When the brain becomes more flexible, therapy may have a greater chance of helping clients build new pathways and healthier patterns. That flexibility does not create lasting change on its own. The benefits are strengthened through intentional preparation, integration, and ongoing support. Why Integration Matters The insights that arise during psychedelic experiences can be powerful, but the real therapeutic value often comes from how those insights are integrated afterward. Integration helps translate an experience into practical changes in daily life. Integration may include: Processing emotions that emerged during the experience Identifying meaningful insights or themes Exploring how the experience connects to your life Linking insights to relationships, values, or behavior change Creating realistic action steps Supporting embodiment, reflection, and follow-through Without integration, a powerful experience can fade without creating meaningful change. With integration, clients can often turn insight into lasting growth. My Approach to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy I provide a grounded, supportive, and collaborative space for preparation and integration. My approach draws from mindfulness, integrative health, positive psychology, and a strengths-based perspective to help clients make sense of their experiences and apply them in healthy ways. In our work together, we may focus on: Clarifying your intention Preparing emotionally and practically Exploring fears, hopes, and expectations Processing the experience afterward Identifying what changed and what still needs attention Creating routines and supports that reinforce growth This approach is especially useful for therapists and other professionals who want to engage in healing work while staying grounded in their everyday responsibilities. Important Considerations Psychedelic-assisted therapy requires careful attention to mental health history, current symptoms, medications, and support systems. It is not appropriate for every person or every situation. A thorough discussion can help determine whether this type of work is a good fit for your goals and needs. If you are interested in this work, we can talk about whether preparation and integration support is appropriate for you, and how to approach the process in a way that is thoughtful and clinically responsible. Disclaimer Services offered by Active Change Therapy are provided in accordance with applicable Colorado laws and regulations. Psychedelic-assisted therapy services, preparation, and integration support do not include unlawful possession, distribution, or administration of any controlled substances. Clients are responsible for understanding and complying with all laws and regulations that apply to them. Services are not a substitute for emergency care, and if you are in crisis or experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

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Located at:

50 S Steele Street

Suite 950

Denver, CO 80209

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