Melissa J. Hill, LCSW, ACHT
Founder, Hypnotherapist, & EMDR Therapist
Melissa Hill, CEO & Founder
Melissa Hill founded St. Charles Advanced Therapy in 2020. She is a licensed Psychotherapist, Transpersonal Coach, EMDR Specialist and Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist. Her specialty is serving adolescents, adults, couples and families. She has worked as a therapist in various capacities since 1992.
While she describes her treatment model as eclectic, she uses a psychodynamic approach with her clients most often. The basis of a psychodynamic perspective involves diving into unconscious psychological processes (for example, wishes and fears of which we’re not fully aware) in order to explore childhood experiences which are crucial in shaping the adult personality. Melissa uses various techniques (e.g., EMDR, Breathwork, Past-Life Regressions, Subtle Energy Healing) to bring unconscious beliefs to the surface and thus help clients change those behaviors that no longer serve them. These tools work best with those suffering from addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma and stress-related illnesses.
Melissa also offers Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy is a very unique and safe way to access inner strength and profound wisdom stored in the unconscious part of the brain. Conducting ‘talk therapy’ while in a relaxed state allows one to bypass their mental defenses and go straight to the source of their pain. Clients with treatment-resistant depression, trauma/PTSD and psychosomatic complaints report greater results following hypnotherapy sessions.
Melissa’s BIO:
Melissa received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1986. She graduated cum laude and was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi and Psi Chi National Honor Societies. Her undergraduate honors thesis was later published in two psychology journals. In 1992, Melissa graduated with an M.S.W. from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Melissa gleaned her clinical skills during her internship at the Institute for Juvenile Research, wherein she was trained in the Internal Family Systems model by its founder, Dick Schwartz. Her first job was as an adolescent case coordinator at Linden Oaks Hospital, a private psychiatric hospital in Naperville, IL. Thereafter, she worked for a private agency contracted by DCFS supervising masters-level therapists who provided clinical services to children in foster care.
Melissa later transitioned to the corporate world for a 17-year career in financial services while continuing to see clients in private practice. In 2011, she began her training in heart-centered hypnotherapy at the Wellness Institute in Issaquah, Washington. She later received her certificate in transpersonal coaching and PTI Leadership from the Wellness Institute.
Melissa’s variety of experiences in the business arena as well as psychotherapy make her uniquely able to service EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs) to address many of the mental and emotional challenges that arise in the workplace.
Melissa is an avid pet lover and enjoys golfing, pickleball and horseback riding. She resides in St. Charles, IL. Contact Melissa at mhill@stcharlesadvancedtherapy.com to learn more!