About Me
Melissa Shigematsu
MSW, LCSW, LICSW, CIMHP
Yoga Instructor (CYT-250)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (ND)
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (MN)
Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional
I went back to school a little later in life and earned my BSW with honors from MSUM in 2014. I then completed my MSW through UND in 2015. While going to school I worked for a local non-profit with people with special needs and mental health issues. I spent 3.5 years with them before moving on to Southeast Human Service Center where I gained incredible experience that I carried with me to Sanford as an Integrated Health Therapist (IHT) in family medicine. As an IHT, I had the wonderful opportunity to collaborate with primary care providers to address acute patient needs before transferring departments to Adult Behavioral Health to provide longer term care.
I'm passionate about a holistic approach to care as people are unique and provide a culmination of the body, mind and spirit. This belief moved me to study integrative medicine in a more intentional way and I achieved certification as an Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP). My personal interest, along with training in trauma-informed yoga practices, led me to pursue yoga instructor certification in order to provide this amazing practice to my Clients.
My clinical training in social work, psychology, human behavior, therapy and integrative medicine along with my lived experience, inform my approach as I walk with you on your journey.
On a more personal note, I'm a mother, a dog mom, novice artist and an imperfect but determined human! I love being out in nature, enjoy cooking and love to learn. I believe life is best lived by being bold enough to say what you want or need, courageous enough to go after it and with gratitude not only for what is gained, but for the lessons learned along the way.