Educational and Professional Background

Melissa Mockensturm Gardner received her BA in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at the University of Colorado in Boulder in 1990, and worked in that field for nearly 20 years before making the decision to expand out of the limits of her reasoning mind and into the realm of emotion mind, to incorporate a more wise and balanced approach to her professional life.

Prior to her work in the mental health profession, Mel practiced research science in biochemistry and molecular biology at various institutions across the United States, including the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale for 5 years. She brings this analytical orientation and an interest in brain chemistry and neuroanatomy to her understanding of phobias, mood and anxiety disorders, especially with respect to trauma and stress, to help bring relief for those who suffer in these areas.

Mel received her MA in Professional Counseling at Argosy University where she specialized in grief therapy and fertility issues. She completed a one-year internship at Christian Family Care Agency where she trained in working with families and women’s issues, and received her first exposure to Attachment Theory and Attachment Therapies.

Mel completed a two-year residency at the Glendale office of Phoenix Interfaith Counseling where she conducted group and individual therapy, and worked with couples within the cognitive behavioral (CBT) and dialectical behavioral (DBT) therapeutic approaches to help alleviate mood disorders, anxiety disorders including PTSD, and worked with eating disorders and personality dysfunctions including Borderline Personality Disorder. She is trained in EMDR trauma therapy, with specialization in Adult Attachment issues.

Mel is a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), and is a retired board member for RESOLVE of AZ, a local infertility support organization, where she served as the Help-line Director for four years.