Encore 2016: From Knowing Her Dream to Making It Her Own

Melissa Cohen

ENCORE OF ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR INTERVIEWS.

Melissa Cohen, LCSW, is dedicated to helping individuals find their own identity while managing their need for independence. Whether it is anxiety, conflict resolution, communication, self-esteem or managing expectations, Melissa tailors her approach to each unique situation. She wrote the bestselling ParentKnowledgy, A (Simple) Guide to Surviving Your Teen.

How Did You Start Using Your Talents?

As early as high school, Melissa worked in a summer college prep enrichment program for students—providing a mid-point between high school and college—which she continued through college and graduate school. “It was, for me, a way to work with a population that I later realized I really enjoyed working with.”

The Most Impactful Turning Point?

In a radical shift from social work, she became a pharmaceutical sales representative. Overnight, her salary doubled. She enjoyed generous corporate perks for years. An economic downturn and a couple of layoffs caused her to re-examine her life and go back to building her private therapy practice, “giving it 100%.”

The Most Powerful Lessons Learned?

“I think it takes a long time to build up the courage to move forward with what we want. I had found what I loved to do earlier in life, I just hadn’t found a way to make it my own. It took all these years to do that.”