Our Team

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Melissa Ramirez Portrait
  • Therapist

Melissa Ramirez

She/Her

Licensed Social Worker

Psychotherapist

mramirez@liveoakchicago.com

312.530.9921

English

Supervised By:

Values & Philosophy

I was drawn to therapy for a number of reasons—largely community, collaboration, and stories. I’ve spent my life listening to and exchanging stories with others and felt called to clinical work to work collaboratively with my clients to build a space for our stories to be told. Our stories are complex and nuanced, informed by the systems we exist within and the identities that make up the multitude of our whole. It is my goal to create a safe space free from judgment where we can explore, learn, and grow together.

I’m passionate about body work, particularly in the healing and recovery from eating disorders, transforming disordered eating, and healing body image. I practice from a trauma-informed and health at every size (HAES) framework and firmly believe that all bodies deserve honor, respect, and care. We’re often told our bodies are something beyond ourselves, something to be changed and tamed and I work to dismantle the narratives we’ve heard so often and find liberation and freedom in our bodies as they are.

My identities and experiences as the child of Cuban immigrants, being in recovery from an eating disorder, and navigating the complexity of my own life experiences inform my practice and are a large part of my own story. I bring my authentic self to our therapeutic space and as we build our relationship, my goal is to honor your intersecting identities and your lived experiences in all their complexity. I will meet you where you are and we’ll go from there together.

I use validation, active and empathic listening, and humor in my practice. My approach is relaxed and genuine, while also allowing room to gently challenge and explore beliefs that have been historically restrictive or challenging.  It is my honor to hold space for you and be witness to your stories, growth, and healing.

Education & Training

Licensure

LSW, 150109153
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, 2022

Degrees

MSW
Loyola University Chicago, 2019

BA
The University of Chicago, 2008

Areas of Focus & Specialization

  • Eating Disorders
  • Body Image/Self esteem
  • HAES (Health at Every Size)
  • Depression, Anxiety, & Stress
  • Sex and Body Positive Practice
  • Life Transitions
  • Grief/Loss

I Work With

  • Individuals (Adolescents and Adults)

Modalities

  • LGBTQ Affirmative Practice
  • Feminist Approaches
  • Internal Family Systems
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Body Positive Approach
  • Mindfulness Practices and Techniques
  • Client-centered Approach