Melissa Simard, LAC, NCC
Licensed Associate Counselor – Serving clients in Tucson and throughout Arizona (via telehealth).
Melissa Simard is a Licensed Associate Counselor and equine-assisted therapist who supports individuals healing from trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, grief, and identity-related challenges through experiential, relational care.
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Melissa's connection with horses began at age five and has grown into a lifelong commitment to the healing relationship between humans and horses. What started as trail riding evolved into years of competitive showing and immersive time in the barn, where she began to witness the quiet, powerful ways horses respond to human emotion, presence, and authenticity. These early experiences shaped her understanding that healing does not always begin with words, but often through felt experience, safety, and connection.
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Melissa earned her Associate’s degree in Applied Animal Science with a specialization in Equine Management from the University of New Hampshire, building a strong foundation in equine behavior and care. She went on to complete her Bachelor’s degree at Southern New Hampshire University, graduating Cum Laude with a focus on child and adolescent development, where she began deepening her understanding of trauma and its impact across the lifespan.
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Melissa’s clinical work is grounded in a trauma-informed, relational approach that honors each client’s pace, story, and capacity for healing. She is committed to creating a space where clients feel safe, seen, and supported as they explore their internal experiences. Her work integrates equine-assisted psychotherapy with modalities such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic awareness, and polyvagal-informed care, allowing clients to process trauma in ways that are experiential, regulating, and empowering.
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In 2017, Melissa became certified in the Eagala model, drawn to its emphasis on client-led, experiential work. She has since expanded her training to include EMDR (Evergreen), EMDR-equine (Compassion Works), IFS-informed equine work (Equid-Nexus), ARCH (Arenas for Change), and advanced trauma certifications, including Clinical Trauma Specialist–Addiction and Clinical Trauma Professional II. Her approach is adaptable, guided by what will best support each client's nervous system, sense of safety, and readiness for change.
Melissa is particularly passionate about supporting clients in reconnecting with their sense of self, rebuilding self-worth, and moving toward meaningful, sustainable change. She approaches her work with warmth, authenticity, and deep respect for the resilience of those she serves, believing that healing happens within safe, attuned relationships grounded in compassion, curiosity, and unconditional positive regard.
Outside of clinical work, Melissa finds restoration in time with her children, being outdoors, and her continued connection with horses. She values movement, mindfulness, and holistic well-being — principles woven into both her personal life and her therapeutic practice.​Schedule a free consult with Melissa if you're ready to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and move toward sustainable change.
$150 per 50-minute therapy session
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This rate applies whether sessions are provided in person, through telehealth, or as equine-assisted therapy.
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With Intention is a private-pay practice. Superbills are available upon request for clients who would like to seek reimbursement through out-of-network insurance benefits.
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A limited number of reduced-rate spaces may be available. Please contact us to ask about current availability.