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Meet the Team

MS, LMHC, Clinical Supervisor

Melissa Rowell

River Park Counseling was founded by Melissa Rowell to provide professional Christian counseling services to individuals residing in Saint Lucie and Martin Counties.  

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As a native Floridian Melissa saw first hand the need for quality Christian counselors in this area. Her passion for helping others and work in ministry led her to pursue a Master's of Science Degree with a double major in Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She has had over a decade of experience working with adults, children, teens, and couples in ministry and counseling settings. Her experience as an elementary school teacher, and MOPS leader also helped to shape her desire to specialize in women's issues and couple's therapy. 

 

She has a passion for helping couples move from feeling resentful, frustrated, and more like roommates to connected, fulfilled, and rejuvenated in their love for one another!

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Melissa is a certified Prepare Enrich Facilitator, a certified Couples Communication Instructor, Level 1 Gottman Trained Couples Counselor, and Clinical Supervisor for Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. Melissa resides in Port Saint Lucie with her husband of 20 years and 3 children. 

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MS, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

Betsy Fowler

As a clinician, Betsy believes that people start to heal when they are heard. She believes that the human heart deserves a lot more kindness and much less judgment. 

 

Betsy specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Some of the core issues she enjoys tackling alongside clients include self-esteem, anxiety, trauma, people-pleasing, and childhood emotional neglect. Betsy is also passionate about helping children from homes of addiction understand and navigate their emotions and thoughts. She utilizes an integrative approach to counseling including Person-centered, Adlerian, and Solution-Focused therapies. 

 

Betsy received her B.S. in psychology from Mid-America Christian University in 2019 and obtained her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University in May 2022. Betsy is currently continuing her education at Regent University as she obtains her Ph.D. in Psychological Studies & Counseling. 

 

Betsy lives on the beautiful treasure coast with her husband and their dog, Belle. She is an avid reader, a Disney lover, and enjoys traveling the world. She cannot wait to work with you! 

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MS, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

Terri Thedford

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​​Terri Thedford is passionate about empowering clients to unlock their potential and achieve meaningful results in both their personal and professional lives. She enjoys collaborating with you as you gain clarity, set realistic goals, and develop actionable plans to overcome obstacles and to successfully achieve your identified goals. Her approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and a deep appreciation of the unique experiences each person brings to every session. She believes in the power of faith and resilience, and strives to create a safe, supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. She has over 25 years of ministry experience that have equipped her to help individuals and couples as they navigate life’s challenges with a Christian worldview. She has a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a Registered Intern with the state of Florida. Terri also is an EMDRIA approved EMDR specialist. This evidenced based treatment is used to help you heal from symptoms and emotional distress that are a result of trauma. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking to enhance your overall well-being, Terri can support you on your journey as you work toward creating a more fulfilling and balanced life, grounded in faith, and guided by a compassionate, holistic approach to mental health.

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