Mel Rolfes is a psychotherapist, yoga teacher, and dog mom based in Roanoke, Virginia
I came to this work by way of burnout. I spent most of my career working in the healthcare system, and by the time the pandemic rolled around, I had nothing left to give. As I crawled my way out of job that felt like a grave, and started my own private practice, I was still waking up in a body that felt like it was being hunted for sport. In the meantime, I decided to fulfill my dream of becoming a yoga teacher. This not only reignited my passion for the intersections of psychology and contemplative traditions, but helped me heal my nervous system in a profound way. So I guess you can say I’ve come full circle and found my way back to center. I’m deeply grateful for the path that led me here and this opportunity to share what I’ve learned with others.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
Carl Jung
What Nourishes me
I was born and raised in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, near the Peaks of Otter in Virginia. My family goes back many generations in this area, and these mountains are very special to me.
When I’m not working or doing yoga, I enjoy getting lost in a book, caring for my many plants, creative writing, making art, and hosting friends for good food and conversation. I love spending time in nature, whether walking, kayaking, or riding my bike.
I am a life-long learner and insatiably curious, with many interests ranging from neuroscience to astrology.
But my heart is most full when I am spending time with my partner, his two sons, and our beloved fur babies, Chloe and Stormi.
Oh, and last but not least: Gemini Sun. Aquarius Moon. Libra Rising. Enneagram 7. (Guess who really benefits from grounding and anchors!)
What sets me apart
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I am a licensed psychotherapist with over a decade of experience working in hospital, community health, and private practice settings.
My clinical work focuses on anxiety and existential concerns, and I have additional training in somatic therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and transpersonal psychology.
I am able to draw from my professional experience and the coaching aspects of my clinical training to support folks in a unique way.
However, my work here is not psychotherapy. If you’re looking for formal mental health care, I invite you to learn more about my private practice.
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My interest in embodied healing extends beyond psychotherapy. I am a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) and teach classes locally.
I am also a certified Auricular Acupuncture Tech (AAT), providing 5-Needle Protocol (5NP) ear acupuncture treatments in the Roanoke area.
Both yoga and 5NP have given me a deeper appreciation for the body's innate capacity to regulate, heal, and restore balance when given the right conditions.
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In addition to psychology, I studied religion in college, with a particular interest in Eastern philosophy.
From the beginning of my career, I've integrated contemplative practices and wisdom into my work. These traditions have profoundly shaped the way I understand suffering, healing, and the human experience.
Personally, I find wisdom across many spiritual and philosophical traditions. While their languages and practices may differ, I believe they often point toward many of the same fundamental truths about compassion, presence, interconnectedness, and what it means to be fully human.
My role is never to prescribe a particular belief system, but to meet people where they are and support them in drawing from whatever sources of meaning and wisdom resonate most deeply with them.
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Throughout my academic and professional career, I've presented at research conferences, professional organizations, and community events on topics related to mental health, mindfulness, wellness, and yoga.
I've facilitated a wide range of educational experiences, from continuing education workshops for therapists, to beginner yoga classes and special 5NP events. I also spent some time as a professor at Central Virginia Community College (CVCC), teaching Human Development.
Teaching and creating meaningful learning experiences are some of my favorite parts of the work I do. Whether I'm speaking to a room of clinicians or introducing someone to their very first yoga practice, I enjoy making complex topics approachable, engaging, and practical.
If you're looking for wellness education or a speaker for your team, organization, or community,I'd love to explore the possibilities with you.
Core Pillars of my work
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You don’t need to be more productive, and you don’t have to prove your worth. It’s time to deprogram.
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You already have everything you need to heal and evolve. I’m just here to help you unleash it.
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All flourishing is mutual. Our work together doesn’t just benefit you, it benefits the collective.
Go softer, rather than harder. flow, rather than force. ground, rather than grind.
If that resonates, You’re in the right place and I look forward to hearing from you