Alyssa Meehan, MS, LPC

07/15/2026

Clients often seek support due to their dysfunctional family systems (parents, adult siblings, etc). While there is inner work that is necessary for healing, these strategies can be helpful for protecting oneself from ongoing distress ⬇️

1️⃣ Be the observer, not the participant. Start seeing yourself as the outsider in their dysfunctional system.

2️⃣ Do not justify or defend yourself.

3️⃣ Limit what information you share.

4️⃣ Shut down triangulation: do not engage in or respond to he said/she said. If someone does not address you directly with their issue - ignore it.

5️⃣ Accept that your family cannot love or support you the way that you want them to. You are setting yourself up for disappointment when you continue to expect something they are unwilling or unable to do.

6️⃣ Invest in yourself & your chosen family. Use the emotional energy saved to support the life you deserve.

🖤Melissa

07/15/2026

💙 POTS is more than one symptom—it is a life-changing condition that can affect nearly every part of the body.

For people living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), the challenges often extend far beyond a racing heart. Debilitating fatigue, heart palpitations, brain fog, dizziness, tremors, migraines, digestive problems, shortness of breath, poor sleep, heat intolerance, blood pooling, fainting, and exercise intolerance can all become part of everyday life. These symptoms may come and go without warning, making even the simplest tasks feel like climbing a mountain.

Because POTS is an invisible illness, many people are told they "look fine" while silently fighting symptoms that others cannot see. Every outing requires planning. Every day demands resilience. Every small accomplishment is a victory that deserves to be recognized.

Awareness begins with believing those who live with this condition. A little patience, compassion, and understanding can ease the emotional burden of an illness that is too often misunderstood. No one should have to fight both their symptoms and the disbelief of others.

💙 To every POTS warrior: your strength is measured not by what you can do on your best days, but by the courage you show on your hardest ones. Keep holding on to hope. With growing awareness, advancing research, and a compassionate community, brighter days are possible. You are seen, you are valued, and you are never alone.

03/23/2026

Join us on Tuesday, May 19th for Mental Health Awareness Day at Wrigley Field as the Chicago Cubs take on the Milwaukee Brewers!

The Community Mental Health Project is placing a discounted group order. For just $41.44/ticket, you get a 200-level ticket, a limited edition Chicago Cubs "Take Care of Your Mental Health" ball cap, and the Cubs make a donation to former Cubs player, Ben Zobrist's, mental health nonprofit Champion Forward. Invite your friends and family to join us!

Cubs vs. Brewers
Wrigley Field
Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
6:40 p.m.

Sign up for your tickets by Wednesday, March 25th! Payment will be due immediately upon registering via Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle. Justin O'Rourke will reach out to you after you submit this form. Any tickets not paid for within 48 hours of contact will be made available to other guests. Electronic tickets will be transferred via the MLB App. As with all sporting events, no returns/refunds.

Registration form here: https://forms.gle/cSsdsErVkFYYkd8v7

03/20/2026

Come meet Alyssa & I at the Women’s Empowerment Fair Tuesday, March 24 10-1 PM Elgin Community College, Main Campus, Building B

Discover women-owned businesses and women-led organizations in our local community! Celebrate and support local femme leaders by shopping and networking with them. From handmade art to professional services, there’s something for everyone! Participating Organizations: American Association of University Women BIDA Baking Co Blue Stone Healing Books Community Crisis Center Elevate Coaching & Consulting Funky Rooster Tattoo and Art Gallery Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Go with the Flow Head To Toe Blessing Ivette De Santiago League of Women Voters of the Elgin Area Luna Behavioral Health Center Melissa Carlson Counseling Nicki Fortunati-Warren PADS of Elgin Radically Rachael Sacred Spirit Bodyworks Side Street Studio Arts Simplifying Therapy StayWell Home Care Tcreativ Designs Teaching Therapy The Funky Brush and Palette This Girls Story Students who attend the event can also receive a free customizable hat from Tricky Lids!

12/10/2025

Such an amazing training & group!!!!

Our amazing Chicago training…there are no words for how powerful the learning was with this group! What you can do on the 15th floor above the city watching the sun rise and set! Crazy awesome!!!!

12/07/2025

12/07/2025

12/05/2025

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS: Alyssa Meehan, MS has openings to meet both in-person (Algonquin) or via telehealth (IL or AZ) with day & evenings times available.

• Adolescent & adult clients
• Areas of focus: trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, healing from childhood trauma, nervous system dysregulation, identity issues, relationship concerns, alcohol/substance abuse
• Trauma-informed, attachment-based, relational, holistic care, & integrative therapy approach

To read more about Alyssa, you can find her full bio here: www.melissacarlsoncounseling.com/meet-alyssa
To inquire about next steps including your out of pocket insurance costs, contact our Intake Coordinator here: www.melissacarlsoncounseling.com/contact