Melissa Schleicher-Park
LCPC, BC-DMT, iRest® Level 2 Teacher

Melissa is a somatically-focused therapist, iRest® Yoga Nidra Level 2 Meditation Teacher and life-long dance artist. Since graduating from Columbia College Chicago with a Masters in Dance/Movement Therapy & Counseling, she has worked in community mental health centers throughout the city providing body/mind connective therapy in support of recovery from the effects of chronic mental dis-ease. Her creative therapeutic approach is rooted in trauma-focused healing and the belief that each individual possesses the power to heal when provided with a safe, trustworthy and unbiased environment. She is a strong proponent of providing access to quality healthcare and healing services to all people regardless of income or socioeconomic background. Melissa founded Metta Counseling Chicago, LLC in 2015 and in, 2018, she began a three-part training in iRest® (Integrative Restoration) Yoga Nidra Meditation after being introduced to this wonderfully healing practice following a painful divorce and enduring chronic pain from years of dancing. This practice has been life changing, difficult, wonderful, joyous and, at times, painful. Fortunately, the tools learned in iRest® Yoga Nidra have provided Melissa with a foundation for growth and belief in the peaceful Essential Nature of all humans regardless of our struggles. We can get through our pain if we trust our inherent goodness! These things have provided a truly depth-based healing environment and Melissa is eager to incorporate iRest® practice into her work and to share it with the community at large.