At South Collective Counseling, our team is made up of compassionate, highly trained clinicians who are passionate about helping you grow, heal, and thrive. Each therapist brings unique strengths, specialties, and life experiences to the work we do. We believe the right fit matters, and we’re honored you’re taking the time to learn more about the heart behind our care.

MEET THE STAFF

Meet jewel chestnut

MSW, LSW

Melissa South Owner of South Collective Counseling in her office doing individual therapy

SPECIALTIES

  • Anxiety & Stress Management (Children, Teens & Adults)

  • Depression

  • Emotional & Mood Regulation

  • School Stressors & Behavioral Challenges

  • Life Transitions

  • Low self-esteem

  • Family & Individual Counseling


JEWEL’S Approach

Jewel uses a strengths-based, person-centered approach tailored to each client’s unique needs. She integrates evidence-based practices, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Solution-Focused Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Psychoeducation

Clients often describe her as compassionate, grounded, and empowering — someone who helps them feel both supported and capable of meaningful growth.

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating stress, emotional challenges, or life transitions. Jewel believes the foundation of meaningful therapy begins with trust, comfort, and feeling genuinely heard. Before any progress can occur, clients should feel safe being themselves without fear of judgment.

She takes pride in creating a warm, supportive space where both adults and youth feel comfortable opening up at their own pace. Jewel views therapy not as a process of being “fixed,” but as a collaborative partnership. Together, she works with clients to better understand challenges, identify strengths, and build realistic, empowering tools that support growth and long-term success.


GROUP THERAPY

COUPLES COUNSELING

FAMILY COUNSELING

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING

CLINICAL SUPERVISION

GROUP THERAPY COUPLES COUNSELING FAMILY COUNSELING INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING CLINICAL SUPERVISION


Who Melissa Works With

    • Stress and anxiety

    • Adoption-related concerns

    • School challenges and bullying

    • Behavioral concerns

    • Mood regulation

    • Trauma

    • Improving communication

    • Rebuilding trust

    • Developing healthy relationship dynamics

    • Anxiety and stress

    • Relationship challenges

    • Identity concerns related to culture, race, and religion

    • Trauma recovery

OUR COUNSELING SERVICES