Updated: Apr 25
content warning: this post briefly mentions birth trauma
Initially, I was motivated to become a therapist out of my curiosity about human behavior, specifically within my culture. Growing up, I always heard phrases that painted therapy as only for the "weak, unhinged, white people, and financially privileged." Therefore, I was inspired to help shift the perception of therapy and who it is for. I wanted to make therapy "cool,” meaning culturally infused, accessible, creative, and inviting. As I continued my journey to becoming a therapist, I experienced birth trauma while in grad school, which shifted my therapeutic approach and motivation.
In 2018, I was five months pregnant when I went into pre-term labor and lost my son. As you can imagine, this was a difficult time for me emotionally because it was my first pregnancy and child. I couldn't wrap my head around what I had experienced, and it was difficult for me to avoid, dismiss, or hide from my pain as I have with past traumas. The emotional pain was overwhelming. I had to learn to surrender to what I was feeling and it changed how I choose to navigate my emotions and the dualities of life for the better.
Now, my motivation as a therapist is to create a soft and supportive space for my clients to explore their whole selves, and transform their relationships with their emotions so they can thrive in life and love.
Meet Melony Crayton, M.ED, PLPC, NCC (she/her)
Melony is a Provisionally Licensed Therapist and Certified Soundbath Practitioner that believes in taking a holistic, individualized, and group experience approach to personal growth and healing. Melony guides clients in transforming their relationships with their emotions so they can navigate life’s transitions and challenges, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Melony is also the founder of Surrender2Thrive LLC where she encourages community-care and co-creates wellness experiences and mastermind groups for Black healers and creatives. She loves hosting intimate discussions about wellness and personal development via her podcast and offline gatherings.
Specialty Areas
Complex Trauma
Interpersonal Trauma & Skills
Intimacy Development & Concerns
Emotional Resilience Skills
Grief & Loss
Self-worth
Life Transitions
Group Facilitation
Therapy Modalities & Approaches
Person-Centered Therapy
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Holistic Therapy
Somatic Experiencing
Sound Therapy
Group Therapy/Interpersonal Process Group
Certifications
Provisional Licensed Professional. Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Telehealth: Legal and Ethical Issues
Advanced Group Work Skills for Trauma- Informed Care
St. Louis Basics of Somatic Experiencing (Certificate of Completion)
SVOUND™ Certified Soundbath Practitioner
Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) ( Part 1 Training Certificate of Completion)
Professional Affiliations
American Counseling Association (ACA)
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Educational Achievements
University of Missouri-STL, M.ED in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Missouri-STL, BA in Communications
How can you work with Melony?
Melony offers individual, relationship, and group therapy services.
Ask us about booking her to facilitate a workshop or training for your community or organization.
View service rates here.