Melissa Cook is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) practitioner and trainer, and a 500-hour registered yoga instructor. With a deep passion for helping children, teens, and families reconnect with themselves, she employs play and attachment-based interventions to address individual, behavioral, and family struggles.

Melissa strongly believes in the importance of education in play therapy. As an RPT, she understands the specialized training required to effectively meet children's emotional, social, and behavioral needs. With the proper education, therapists can create safe, supportive environments that promote healing, emotional growth, and stronger family connections.

In addition to her therapeutic practice, Melissa is a dedicated community advocate. She works with collaborative mental health and educational groups in Texas and Arkansas. Her involvement in these initiatives allows her to influence and shape mental health services at a broader level, ensuring that children and families have access to quality care and resources. Through these partnerships, Melissa works to create a more supportive, inclusive community for those facing mental health challenges.

For the past seven years, she has served her native Texarkana area through private practice and within the public school system, providing therapy services and parent/staff training. She also shares her knowledge with other professionals, promoting effective practices in play therapy and beyond.

When not working, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, exploring the outdoors with her therapy dog, Tullia, and practicing yoga.