Therapist Melissa Sandford • PTSD Trauma & Anxiety Specialist • EMDR and Somatic Therapy • Montana Telehealth 

Therapy: A sanctuary for the deep-feeling soul.

A space to unburden your senses and find your center again.

To the world, you look like you have it handled. Internally, you’re familiar with the fog of anxiety, the weight of past traumas, and the quiet exhaustion of performing 'wellness' while feeling disconnected or depleted. We’ll work to bring your inner and outer lives into balance, so you no longer have to shoulder the burden of a 'fine' you don’t actually feel.

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Montana Therapist • Melissa Sandford LCPC
Providing specialized anxiety and trauma-informed care via telehealth across the Big Sky state, from the Flathead to the Gallatin Valley.

Most of us turn to therapy when the way we have been coping is no longer working. Therapy with me is collaborative and intentional, helping you cultivate deeper understandings and gentle growth. We’ll explore healing at a pace that feels safe and meaningful—integrating EMDR and Somatic techniques to process what words alone cannot reach, as well as CBT and SFBT strategies to uncover the skills and insights that support lasting change.

  • "Melissa is a very professional and kind individual. She listened and gave very insightful feedback and suggestions. I found her easy to open up to, warm and receptive. As someone who finds opening up to be hard she made it easy for the first time."

  • "I can’t say enough good things about Melissa. I look forward to our sessions every week and use the tools she has taught me daily. She has made such a positive impact on my mental health and quality of life. I have shared multiple tools with my friends and family and have seen the positive impact they have made outside of myself. Melissa makes me feel heard and seen in a way I haven’t felt before. "

  • "I have developed a strong therapeutic relationship with Melissa through her gentle guidance and thoughtful probing. I appreciate her encouragement and support while challenging me to dig deeper and understand my thoughts, behaviors and feelings."

  • "Melissa is truly wonderful. Her approach is so caring, respectful, and insightful. I highly recommend her! Not only does she really listen, but she provides actionable steps and meets a person right where they are. She is refreshing and genuine. I can’t say enough about how positive my experience has been with her."

  • "Melissa is so kind and gentle and she listens which is something I need right now. It may look like I am not progressing but I really have learned so much about self acceptance. I have learned to be kind to myself and others. I have learned to set boundaries and keep them in place. I have been speaking up for myself. I am coming from a more stable footing than ever before in my life. I am beginning to feel my worth."

  • "Melissa has been an amazing therapist for me. She is great at balancing listening with challenging my ideas in a respectful way and offers practical tools for day to day life. She uses evidenced based practices mixed with individualized care. Highly recommend!"

  • "Melissa has been a tremendous help to me through a variety of difficult issues. She is patient and kind, I enjoy our talks. Melissa is highly competent and has provided me with thoughtful care. I have received a lot of value from Melissa’s insights and ideas. I highly recommend."

  • "Melissa knows exactly how to help with everything I come at her with. She is so knowledgeable and is able to have a thorough and helpful solution quickly. She has such a calm presence that makes her feel very approachable with everything. I highly recommend her."

  • "Melissa is nothing short of amazing. She listens and offers a wide variety of help. I can’t say enough good things about her. She is genuinely caring. I feel safe in talking with her. She is genuine. You can truly see how she cares about you. She explains everything thoroughly. She asks if it’s ok to go over suggestions before she dives in. She cares about my feedback. I’ve had 2 sessions with her and I truly feel like I’m progressing."

  • "I’ve only had a few sessions with Melissa and I already feel an immense amount of trust in her as a therapist and gratitude for the work we’ve been able to do in a short time."

  • "Melissa is the best therapist I’ve ever had. She’s exactly what I was looking for. She’s incredibly respectful and a great active listener. She always gives me great, practical tools. She never makes me feel judged and always makes me feel like I can trust her. She doesn’t talk about herself too much, but provides good relatable examples so I know I’m not alone in my human experience. "

Specialized Support

High-Functioning Anxiety

EMDR • SOMATIC • CBT • SFBT

Montana Statewide Telehealth

When your sense of safety is tied to your performance, your nervous system remains in a state of restlessness. We work to dismantle the internalized pressure to over-function, building concrete skills to quiet the mental noise and allow your system to finally settle into a state of genuine ease.

HSP Burnout

EMDR • SOMATIC • CBT • SFBT

Montana Statewide Telehealth

In a world that is often too loud and too fast, your natural sensitivity can lead to a quiet, bone-deep depletion. Together, we’ll map your unique sensory needs and build a toolkit of boundaries and regulation skills that protect your energy and honor your rhythm.

Developmental Trauma

EMDR • SOMATIC • CBT • SFBT

Montana Statewide Telehealth

If you grew up as the emotional anchor or the strong one, your childhood survival strategies are likely exhausting you today. We work to update the "old software" of your nervous system, building the capacity to rest and exist without the constant need to be productive or helpful.

Complex Trauma C-PTSD

EMDR • SOMATIC • CBT • SFBT

Montana Statewide Telehealth

C-PTSD is a trauma of many layers, often felt as a constant state of "red alert" and isolation from the safety others find so easily. We work to quiet the survival response and process long-standing imprints, moving from fragmented survival into a life where you are integrated, steady and thriving.

Relational Trauma

EMDR • SOMATIC • CBT • SFBT

Montana Statewide Telehealth

If you have learned to people please or silence your own needs to maintain connection, our work will focus on updating these internal blueprints, equipping you with the skills to communicate your truth and hold boundaries without being overridden by guilt or fear.

Sexual Trauma

EMDR • SOMATIC • CBT • SFBT

Montana Statewide Telehealth

Sexual trauma often leaves a lasting trace in the nervous system, long after the mind has tried to move on. We move at a pace led entirely by you to clear the echoes of the past, using integrative tools to resolve stored trauma and restore physical autonomy and a felt sense of safety.

Note: EMDR is also effective to treat Panic Attacks, Complicated Grief, Dissociative Orders and more.

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Services Offered

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

Adults (Age 18+)

$150 per 45-minute session (telehealth)

Private, one-on-one support using EMDR, Somatic therapy, and other trauma-informed modalities—offered virtually for clients across Montana.

ANXIETY & TRAUMA SPECIALIST

Specializing in High Functioning Anxiety, HSP Burnout, PTSD, Complex Trauma C-PTSD, Developmental Trauma, Relational Trauma, Sexual Trauma.

AVAILABILITY

Flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments.

LOCATION

Montana Telehealth • Online Therapy

Missoula, Bozeman, Billings, Helena, Kalispell, Four Corners, Whitefish, Big Sky and beyond. Telehealth available statewide.

My Credentials

Montana Therapist • Melissa Sandford LCPC

Welcome. My name is Melissa Sandford. I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with more than a decade of experience in the mental health field, currently serving Whitefish, Bozeman, Missoula and beyond via telehealth. Prior to opening private practice. my experience in Treatment Center, Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) settings taught me how to balance truly listening with offering practical strategies that actually make a difference.

Together, we’ll draw from a range of evidence-informed approaches tailored to you—helping you navigate difficult emotions and recover from past experiences. Every step is designed to meet you where you are and honor the pace and path that feel right for you. Modalities we will draw from include:

EMDR

Somatic Nervous System Regulation

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Trauma-Informed Care

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION: What is EMDR Theray?

ANSWER: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps process trauma, anxiety, and distressing memories. I use both traditional EMDR, which targets specific memories, and modified EMDR, an adaptive and personalized approach. EMDR can be done virtually, allowing clients in Montana and beyond to access safe, effective, research-backed therapy from home.

QUESTION: What is Somatic Therapy?

ANSWER: Somatic therapy is a body-focused, evidence-based approach that helps release stored tension, trauma, and anxiety allowing for benefits beyond traditional talk therapy. In my sessions, I incorporate somatic techniques alongside EMDR, including gentle movement and breathing exercises, to support nervous system regulation and help clients feel more grounded, resilient, and connected to their bodies.

QUESTION: What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

ANSWER: CBT is an evidence-based therapy that helps retrain the brain and change old thought patterns contributing to anxiety, stress, and trauma-related responses. It provides practical tools to manage emotions, shift unhelpful thinking, and develop healthier coping strategies. Combined with EMDR and Somatic techniques, CBT strengthens emotional regulation and supports long-term trauma recovery.

QUESTION: What is Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)?

ANSWER: SFBT is a goal-oriented, evidence-based therapy that focuses on solutions and achievable steps for change. It helps clients build confidence and clarity while moving toward personal goals. Integrating SFBT with EMDR, CBT, and somatic techniques allows for a personalized and results-driven approach to healing.

QUESTION: Why do you combine these therapies in session?

ANSWER: I use an integrative approach, combining EMDR, Somatic techniques, CBT, and SFBT to address the emotional, physiological, and practical day-to-day effects of trauma and anxiety. This approach supports nervous system regulation and provides tools for coping, growth, and improved functioning. Sessions are fully virtual, allowing clients anywhere in Montana to access safe, effective, evidence-based support from home.

QUESTION: What are the benefits of online telehealth therapy?

Telehealth therapy allows you to virtually access effective, specialized support such as EMDR and Somatic therapy from the comfort of your home, eliminating travel barriers and making scheduling easier. I provide online sessions across Montana, including major cities like Missoula, Bozeman, and Whitefish, as well as rural communities such as Polson and Libby, helping clients in areas with limited access to in-person care. Telehealth is secure, private, and tailored to meet your needs, whether you’re managing trauma, anxiety, or complex stress.

  • Thank you for taking the time to explore this space.

    If you are located in Montana and Anxiety or Trauma therapy and EMDR or Somatic processing resonated with you, you’re welcome to reach out by email or access my calendar directly to book a session. Either way, I will be glad to hear from you.

    EMAIL

    HavenWildeWellness@gmail.com

    INSTAGRAM

    @HavenWildeWellness

    #MontanaTherapist

    LOCATION

    Montana Telehealth • Online Therapy

    Missoula, Bozeman, Billings, Helena, Four Corners, Whitefish, Big Sky and beyond. Telehealth available statewide.