Melissa Hansen, MA, LPC
We are so excited to introduce two new therapists-in-training who joined us in May, 2022. Ryan Grubb is in his final hours of his LPC Residency and Amy Huffman is beginning her LCSW, post-graduate training. Both of them have brought new life and energy to VPCC and have different areas of interest. We continue to get to know them and we are so grateful they are here in Waynesboro, serving the valley alongside us.
I asked both of them some questions and you can get to know them a little bit from their answers.
Ryan Grubb, MA, LPC Resident
How did you decide to become a therapist/counselor?
After stepping out of full-time ministry, I wanted to remain in the helping profession in some capacity. I worked for a year then decided to go back to graduate school for counseling. I was and am still convinced this is my calling. I love the challenge of helping others.
What do you think is the best part about being a therapist/counselor?
The best part is that no two clients are ever alike. I love being able to be part of the process of variations and what each story brings to my work. Seeing people feel better and explore new ways of thinking and feeling also make what we do such a joy for myself.
What do you like to do for fun/relaxation?
I love to road bike, work out, read, watch movies, and travel
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream this summer?
Cookies and cream
Anything else you want to share?
I have been married for 21 years. We have two teenage daughters.
Amy Huffman, MSW, LCSW Trainee
How did you decide to become a therapist/counselor?
I have always been fascinated by the therapeutic relationship, and the ways in which people find healing and restoration in relationship with others. In addition, my personal and professional life have been powerfully impacted by people who, it turned out, were trained clinicians — I was very much drawn to their way of being in the world, how comfortable with themselves and others they were, and how understanding. I love deep conversation and listening to others’ stories, helping them untangle complicated thoughts and histories, so continuing the work professionally seemed like a natural fit and one that would allow me to play to my strengths. Lastly, being a good therapist (let alone a great one) requires one to “walk the walk”, so to speak, so to do this work well, I need to be equally committed to my own health — mind, body, and spirit.
What do you think is the best part about being a therapist/counselor?
Getting to enjoy deep relationships with the clients I serve, and seeing them make positive changes in their lives that empower and uplift them. I also love being able to bring creativity into my work, and enjoy the freedom to work with my clients in the ways I believe will serve them best (i.e. not having to conform to a specific protocol or work within difficult time or resource constraints).
What do you like to do for fun/relaxation?
Knitting, gardening, hiking, reading, baking (alongside my faithful sourdough starter, who is nearly as old now as my middle child), other DIY kitchen and homecraft.
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream this summer?
My favorite flavor of ice cream this summer, as in every summer, is plain chocolate. Why mess with perfection?
Anything else you want to share?
I live in Charlottesville with my husband of 13 years and our 3 children. I am an Anglican Christian, an identical twin, and am cultivating the ability to be an early riser after many years of waking up at night with babies.